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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. Who relieves the village chief from power?

2. Who is with Zenzile when Jezile visits in Chapter 5?

3. When can Siyalo come back into the city?

4. Why does Jezile feel great shame?

5. How long has Jezile been married?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why can Jezile only see Siyalo for a few days out of the year?

2. What are Zenzile's feelings about pregnancy?

3. How does Jezile feel when she realizes she is pregnant?

4. What are some of the hardships Siyalo, MaBiyela, and S'naye experience while Jezile is in prison?

5. How does Jezile's relationship with MaBiyela change once she becomes pregnant?

6. How do the women feel when Nosizwe is first separated from them?

7. What are the officials of BAD like?

8. Describe the conditions of Jezile and Siyalo's first night in Durban.

9. How do the people of the village react to the exile of Chief Siyoka?

10. What are some of the preparations Jezile makes to ensure her baby's birth goes smoothly?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jezile has a few friends which she relies on for companionship and support. One of these friends is a woman named Zenzile who dies early on in the story. Write an essay that explores the theme of friendship within the context of the narrative. Who are Jezile's closest friends? What do these women do for a living? Do they have families? Why are friends important to Jezile? In which cases does she rely on them for help and support? Explain your rationale by providing examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

The conclusion of And They Didn't Die leaves Jezile's fate unknown. She has killed a white man in the defense of her daughter and could possibly face death because of it. Write an essay that explores the conclusion of And They Didn't Die. Is Jezile resigned to her fate? Does she fear the future? What does Siyalo think of her murdering the soldier? Is he proud of his wife for her heroic act? Be sure the provide examples to support your work.

Essay Topic 3

Sex and sexuality are important to the characters of And They Didn't Die. Though Jezile is not a particularly vain woman, one gets the impression she is beautiful and sexually virile in her youth. Write an essay that explores the themes of sex and sexuality within the context of the story. Why is sex important to Jezile? How does she feel when it comes to her sexuality? Is she comfortable? Does she enjoy the private moments she has with her husband when they try to become pregnant at the beginning of the story? Does he make her feel beautiful? Be sure to provide examples to support your work.

(see the answer keys)

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