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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. How long has it been since the Kumalos heard from their son?
2. Chapter 12 steps out of the main plot to relate snippets of whites reacting to “native crime” via what platform?
3. What language does John prefer to speak?
4. What strategy does the lawyer intend to use in Absalom’s case?
5. Which of the following best describes John’s relationship with his own son?
Short Essay Questions
1. 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.
2. How does Gertrude react to seeing Kumalo in Johannesburg? How does she feel about her own behavior, and the prospect of returning to Ndotsheni?
3. What are two ways Absalom seems to have been getting into trouble since moving to Johannesburg?
4. What unofficial title do most members of Ndotsheni bestow on Kumalo’s wife, and what does it signify?
5. 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?
6. Explain why Msimangu wants to see Mrs. Mkize alone rather than telling Kumalo after Mrs. Ndlela tells him the police are looking for Absalom.
7. Describe two sides of the debate that whites have about “native crime” as indicated in the conversations in Chapter 12.
8. Describe some ways John Kumalo has changed since he moved to Johannesburg from Ndotsheni.
9. What happens to Kumalo as soon as he arrives in Johannesburg? How does this reinforce his feelings about the city?
10. Describe the reaction of the pregnant girl to the prospect of living in Ndotsheni. Why does she react this way?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Discuss the representations of gender and gender expectations in Cry, the Beloved Country. In what ways does inequality extend to gender? What are the impacts of gender inequality and oppression? How is this depicted in the novel?
Essay Topic 2
Discuss the structure of the novel. How do the sections that step out of the main plot serve the story? How and why does the author occasionally use the first person (“we” and “us”) and second person (“you”)? How do rhetorical devices like repetition and metaphor enhance the narrative? Do you think these techniques are effective in drawing the reader more deeply and personally into the world of the novel? Why or why not? Be sure to support your argument with examples from the text.
Essay Topic 3
Discuss the theme of power in Cry, the Beloved Country. What represents power in the novel? How is power achieved? What are the repercussions of having no power as seen in this narrative?
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This section contains 1,184 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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