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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Tambu do when she has her visitors in Chapter 10?

2. What does Tambu notice about her new mattress in Chapter 4?

3. What happens to Gertrude that sets off the mob's anger in Chapter 2?

4. What does Tambu do in response to the crowd's anger toward Gertrude?

5. What does the woman who knocks on Tambu's window in Chapter 6 end up doing?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 1, how would you describe Tambu's relationship with the other women in her hostel?

2. What kind of animal does Tambu envision when she arrives in the mental health institution in Chapter 9?

3. Who does Tambu think she sees in the club in Chapter 7 and why does she react so belligerently to this idea?

4. Why are Bertha and Mako pleased that a woman is causing such commotion at the Widow Manyanga's house in Chapter 6?

5. Why is Tambu unable to actually meet Widow Riley in Chapter 1?

6. What kind of shoes does Tambu wear to meet the Widow Riley in Chapter 1 and who gave them to her?

7. What does Tambu offer to do to help Nyasha with the children at the end of Chapter 12, and how is the offer received?

8. What does Tambu think about her new room in Mai Manyanga's house when she initially moves in in Chapter 4?

9. Why is Mako so upset in Chapter 5?

10. Who comes to visit Tambu in the mental health institution in Chapter 10?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are some of the factors that prompt Tambu's attack on her student, Elizabeth? Write an essay analyzing the emotional and cultural issues that lead to Tambu's violent outburst in Chapter 8.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay analyzing Tambu's conflicting feelings about Tracey Stevenson. On one hand, Tambu always felt that Tracey had betrayed her in school and later at the advertising agency, winning favor and advantages because she was white. On the other, Tracey offers Tambu a job when she most needs it.

Essay Topic 3

How does Dangarembga use language, pronunciation, and the differences between Shona and English to expose racial and social fault lines in this novel? Write an essay explaining your answer, citing references to the text to support your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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