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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. Which of the following is NOT something the white reformatory worker tells Kumalo about Absalom’s recent experiences?

2. How does Absalom’s girl react when Kumalo tells her she will have to leave Johannesburg if she marries Absalom?

3. What does Kumalo do with Gertrude and her son after she has apologized for her sinful ways?

4. What is Stephen Kumalo’s profession?

5. Chapter 12 steps out of the main plot to relate snippets of whites reacting to “native crime” via what platform?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe two sides of the debate that whites have about “native crime” as indicated in the conversations in Chapter 12.

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

4. How does Kumalo treat the pregnant girl when she reveals she has had two other “husbands,” and why?

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

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

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

8. What surprises Kumalo about the behavior of many whites regarding the bus boycott?

9. Describe three excuses Absalom gives to his father for why he killed Arthur Jarvis.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the historical context of Cry, the Beloved Country. When was this novel written? What real-life experiences influenced the author in this work? How does the novel reflect upon the political and social atmosphere of South Africa?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the character of Gertrude in the novel. How does Gertrude's character propel the plot of the narrative? What symbolism and imagery connect to Gertrude? What themes does Gertrude's character explore?

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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