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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 speech does Kate prepare in her mind in case Silas confronts her?

2. What does Silas drink until he is drunk at Mam Agnes and Jackson's anniversary party?

3. What is the name of the restaurant where Silas's birthday party is planned?

4. Where does Lydia decide to relocate to after leaving Silas?

5. How does Lydia react to the new bedroom Silas and Mikey have redecorated for her?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Michael shoot Vinu's father, and what is his reaction to the crime?

2. How does Silas react to Vinu being at Mam Agnes' anniversary party?

3. What information does Michael have, and think about, before he shoots Du Boise?

4. Who is Joao?

5. How does Lydia's life change after she returns from the hospital?

6. How does Lydia react to the news that Du Boise is dead?

7. What happens between Lydia and Mikey when Silas leaves the house after a fight with his wife?

8. What measures has Lydia taken to ensure that she will be able to escape from her family and relocate in Cape Town?

9. How did Ouma Angel die?

10. How did Michael bribe the Imam to help him in his murderous plans?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although Mireille is a minor character in this novel, she proves to be a symbol for many of the underlying themes. Briefly explain what happens to Mireille as a child, and why her story is symbolic of the family problems in the Ali family, and the disintegration the family is slowly enduring.

Essay Topic 2

In order to get what he wants, Mikey typically uses vulnerable women to give it to him. Give three examples of times when Mikey has used his attractiveness to get what he wants from women. Then, explain what the downside of seducing these women has had on Mikey's life.

Essay Topic 3

The use of religion is carefully plotted out by Dangor as Mikey makes his transition from boyhood to manhood in the novel. There are two main religious icons used as symbols in the text: the Kaaba stone and the Imam. Briefly describe both the Kaaba stone and Imam, and explain how each of these religious symbols affected Mikey in his coming-of-age.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 924 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample