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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. Whom does Silas call a traitor while out for dinner and drinks?

2. What is the name of the mosque where Michael's grandfather was the Imam?

3. Which of the following actions best describes the way the Ali family deals with their anger?

4. Which of the following characters is NOT one that Lydia has as a dance partner during the party?

5. What special description is given about Vinu's father at the moment of his death?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Alec behave when he and Silas go out for dinner before Mam Agnes's anniversary party?

2. What story of abuse does Vinu tell Michael when she meets him at his home?

3. How does Silas feel when he knows that Lydia has left him for good this time?

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

5. What happens when Michael finally comes face-to-face with Du Boise in the shopping mall?

6. How did Ouma Angel die?

7. Why does Michael travel back to the city where he grew up?

8. While planning Silas's birthday party, what worries overcome Kate's thoughts at the dinner table?

9. How did Ali Ali end up living in South Africa?

10. What happened when Michael witnessed a convoy of cars outside his father's birthday party?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel "Bitter Fruit" is set in post-apartheid South Africa. Even though the apartheid is no longer happening, the residual effects of this ethnic segregation are still very present in the lives of the Ali family. Briefly explain how the apartheid affected the Ali family directly, and give two examples of the residual effects of segregation that continue to affect all the black Africans living in South Africa.

Essay Topic 2

At the end of the novel, both Lydia and Michael have left their hometown to relocate from their memories of Du Boise. Explain why each of these characters has chosen a life on the run, rather than a settled life. Then, explain what measures each character takes to ensure that Silas will never be able to find them.

Essay Topic 3

Even though he is dead at the time the novel is set, Ali Ali plays a large role in shaping the man Mikey becomes when he transforms into Michael. Explain Ali Ali's life story, and then explain why the knowledge of his family history has such a large effect of Mikey.

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This section contains 951 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample