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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 a reason the Bishop wants to send Kumalo away from Ndotsheni?

2. Which of the following is NOT one of the ways the agricultural demonstrator intends to improve the farming in Ndotsheni?

3. Which adjectives does Mrs. Lithebe use to describe the people she thinks Gertrude should not spend time with?

4. Where does Kumalo keep vigil during Absalom’s execution?

5. Which of the following is NOT a reason Absalom gives for having a revolver at all?

Short Essay Questions

1. Compare and contrast James Jarvis and John Harrison, Sr.’s attitudes towards blacks before James starts reading Arthur’s papers.

2. Compare Arthur Jarvis’ son’s attitude toward Kumalo and by extension blacks, to the attitude of the generations above him.

3. Explain the metaphorical usage of the rainstorm that occurs in Book Three, Chapter 3.

4. After reading more of his son’s papers, why does James Jarvis leave through the front of the house rather than walking past the blood-stained floor again?

5. Describe the build-up, events, and results of the black mining strike.

6. How does James Jarvis react when Kumalo tries to thank him for all the good work he is doing in Ndotsheni? Why does he likely react this way?

7. Describe the incident Kumalo tells his friend about as a way of explaining his idea that James Jarvis is a compassionate man.

8. Briefly describe the relationship between James and Arthur Jarvis. How does it differ from Arthur’s relationship with his mother?

9. Describe how Napoleon Letsitsi comes to be in Ndotsheni.

10. Describe the villagers’ reaction to Kumalo’s return to Ndotsheni, from the time he gets off the train until he reaches the church.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast all the different generational relationships in the novel: James and Arthur Jarvis, John Harrison, Sr. and Jr., Kumalo and Absalom, Gertrude, and Napoleon. Can any broad conclusions be made about the older and younger generations? Why or why not? Based on the representation of the younger generation, is the outlook for South Africa’s future optimistic or pessimistic? Be sure to support your argument with examples from the text.

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 racial inequality in Cry, the Beloved Country. How does Alan Paton depict the racial inequality of South Africa through imagery related to the settings in the novel? How is racial inequality reflected in character development and the actions of the characters?

(see the answer keys)

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