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

2. What is the reformatory worker’s main concern about Absalom’s involvement in the murder?
(a) He is irritated that he has been fired from his job.
(b) He is devastated that a leader in the equal rights movement has been killed.
(c) He is afraid that Absalom will be executed without trial.
(d) He is anxious that the reformatory’s reputation not be tarnished.

3. What was the murdered man most well-known for?
(a) He advocated for a separate nation for blacks.
(b) He was a rising local politician.
(c) He had married a black woman.
(d) He spoke and wrote publicly for equal rights for blacks.

4. Which of the following is NOT an excuse Absalom gives for shooting Jarvis?
(a) He claims he was simply spending time with bad companions.
(b) He claims the devil made him do it.
(c) He claims he was drunk at the time of the murder and not responsible for his actions.
(d) He claims he just got scared and did not intend to shoot the gun.

5. Which woman has a reputation for being involved in illegal activity?
(a) Mrs. Mkize.
(b) Mrs. Hlayshwayo.
(c) Mrs. Ndlela.
(d) Mrs. Lithebe.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Kumalo go to see his brother before visiting Absalom in jail?

2. Which of the following is NOT one of the places the police seeks Absalom?

3. What does Mrs. Ndlela tell Kumalo and Msimangu about Absalom that concerns them?

4. What tragedy does the black woman suffer?

5. What is the phrase used to describe why the lawyer takes the case without payment?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are two ways Absalom seems to have been getting into trouble since moving to Johannesburg?

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

3. Describe some ways John Kumalo has changed since he moved to Johannesburg from Ndotsheni.

4. What does Kumalo tell Father Vincent worries or saddens him about the way Absalom is handling his arrest?

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

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

7. Describe the reaction of the pregnant girl to the prospect of living in Ndotsheni. Why does she react this way?

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

9. How does the white reformatory worker’s attitude toward Absalom differ from all the other people who have interacted with Absalom that Kumalo meets?

10. Describe Kumalo’s initial physical reaction when the white reformatory worker comes to apologize. Why does Kumalo behave this way? What effect does it have on the white reformer?

(see the answer keys)

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