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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What neighborhood of the city does Msimangu live in?
(a) Claremont.
(b) Sophiatown.
(c) Orlando.
(d) Alexandra.

2. How many accomplices did Absalom have in the murder?
(a) Four.
(b) Two.
(c) One.
(d) Three.

3. Why does Kumalo humbly accept this apology rather than expressing his true feelings about the unnecessary anger directed at him?
(a) Because he is so preoccupied with worry he did not even register he was being mistreated.
(b) Because as a black man he has no place to criticize a white man’s behavior.
(c) Because he feels so much responsibility for his son’s sins he thinks he deserves to be treated harshly.
(d) Because as a priest, he feels it is his duty to turn the other cheek.

4. How long is the waiting list for a new house in Orlando?
(a) Three years.
(b) One year.
(c) Five years.
(d) Eight years.

5. How many “husbands” did Absalom’s girl have before Absalom?
(a) Eight.
(b) Four.
(c) Two.
(d) Six.

Short Answer Questions

1. What weapon did Absalom use to kill Arthur Jarvis?

2. Where is Msimangu’s ministry for the disabled?

3. How long has it been since the Kumalos heard from their son?

4. What title of respect do most people address Kumalo with?

5. In Chapter 12, which of the following is NOT a suggestion among whites on how to deal with "native crime”?

Short Essay Questions

1. What unofficial title do most members of Ndotsheni bestow on Kumalo’s wife, and what does it signify?

2. Describe the white reformatory worker’s reaction to the news that Absalom killed Arthur Jarvis, and why he reacts this way.

3. What additional errand does a friend of Kumalo’s ask him to run while he is in the city? How does this reflect the themes of the novel?

4. Briefly describe the life of the woman who is the protagonist of Chapter 9, living in Orlando’s Shanty Town.

5. Explain why Msimangu wants to see Mrs. Mkize alone rather than telling Kumalo after Mrs. Ndlela tells him the police are looking for Absalom.

6. What feelings do Stephen Kumalo and his wife have before they open the letter they receive at the beginning of the book? Why do they feel this way?

7. What does Kumalo fear when he hears of Arthur Jarvis’ murder?

8. Why does Mrs. Lithebe warn the pregnant girl about spending time with Gertrude?

9. Why does the government like Msimangu as a preacher? How is he like John Kumalo in his oratory?

10. Explain how Kumalo and his wife a.) mainly intended to use their savings; b.) how they have to use it now; and c.) why this shift does not ultimately matter.

(see the answer keys)

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