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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What did Bessie feel defeated her in South Africa as a writer?
(a) The environment.
(b) Anger.
(c) Mental illness.
(d) Religion.

2. Why did Bessie say the South African experience so difficult for her to deal with in a creative sense?
(a) She had too much inner turmoil.
(b) She couldn't get past her own personal views.
(c) It was evil.
(d) She had no family for support.

3. In Chapter 2, what does Bessie believe that people cannot protest against?
(a) Their own natures.
(b) Evil social systems.
(c) The white man.
(d) Religion.

4. Bessie says that people in Botswana lead very what lives?
(a) Secure.
(b) Unassuming.
(c) Quiet.
(d) Rebellious.

5. Who was the great leader of Botswana that protected it's people?
(a) Joran.
(b) Abbal.
(c) Khama.
(d) Kobal.

6. What was Bessie suffering from when she was trying to forge a friendship with the American woman?
(a) Gout.
(b) Menopause.
(c) Scarlet fever.
(d) Mental troubles.

7. Bessie states that one day all nations shall dwell under what shadow?
(a) Total equality.
(b) Global civilization.
(c) The Pharaoh's.
(d) Peace.

8. In Chapter 2, what person made Bessie's natural hatred of the white man ebb?
(a) A child.
(b) Cambridge volunteer.
(c) Pasternak.
(d) The American woman.

9. In African culture, what can't a woman do to their husband?
(a) Lodge complaints against them.
(b) Strike them.
(c) Berate them.
(d) Divorce them.

10. In Chapter 2, Bessie states that Botswana has survived by what?
(a) Having few whites.
(b) The grace of God.
(c) Lack of violence.
(d) Sheer luck.

11. Which of Bessie's novels is the only one that truly reflects a black South African viewpoint?
(a) When Rain Clouds Gather.
(b) A Question of Power.
(c) None.
(d) Maru.

12. Bessie states that the system in South Africa sees blacks as not what?
(a) Ambitious.
(b) Human.
(c) Worthy.
(d) Intelligent.

13. In "Notes on novels," how is pre-colonial invasion South Africa described?
(a) Impoverished.
(b) Friendly.
(c) Backward.
(d) Hostile.

14. How many years did Bessie live in South Africa?
(a) 27.
(b) 12.
(c) 21.
(d) 15.

15. In "A Question of Power," Bessie states that what can lead a people or a nation into a terrible abyss of destruction?
(a) Rage.
(b) Evil.
(c) Greed.
(d) Prejudice.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter 2, what does Bessie say is the root of traditional African life?

2. What is a "bogadi," in African culture?

3. What special category did Bessie see her writing in?

4. How many major tribes are there in Botswana?

5. In Chapter 2, what does Bessie state is responsible for the elimination of polygamy in Botswana?

(see the answer keys)

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