View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Potgieter attempt to win Jezile's affections?

2. What happens when Siyalo is released from prison?

3. Who is MaNgidi?

4. What does Lungu become?

5. Who do the people no longer trust by Chapter 11?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is having multiple babies close together viewed as a bad thing in Jezile's village?

2. Describe MaSibiya.

3. How do the women help their men once the raids begin?

4. Why do the people of the village distrust Counselor Duma?

5. Why does Jezile accept the job as the foreman's wife's servant?

6. Why does MaBiyela want Ndondo to be baptized?

7. How do Jezile and the other women feel when they are first released from prison?

8. Why does Jezile feel uncomfortable around the white foreman?

9. How does Jezile react to seeing S'naye's condition after she returns from prison?

10. Why does Jezile feel shamed of her second pregnancy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The culture of Jezile's village is radically different than other locations in the story. The people of Sigageni have their own unique way of living. Write an essay that explores the details of the culture Jezile lives in. How are the people of Sigageni different than those in Durban? How do they dress? Which languages do they speak? What are some of their beliefs? Use examples from the novel to make the point.

Essay Topic 2

One of the things Jezile values most is family. The story opens with Jezile desperate for a child. She gets pregnant only when she takes the initiative to visit her husband in Durban. Write an essay that explains why family is so important to Jezile. Why is she so adamant to become pregnant at the beginning of the story? What does having a family mean to her? Does she ever regret the hardships and sacrifices she endures in order to provide for her children? Be sure the provide examples to support your work.

Essay Topic 3

Jezile is the protagonist of And They Didn't Die. She is a strong woman who endures hardships with optimism and few complaints. Write an essay that explores Jezile's identity as a strong feminist character. What sets Jezile apart from the other characters in the story? How is she able to endure hardships and struggle on during the toughest of times? What makes her a good mother to her children? Explain your rationale by providing examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 809 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample