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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. Why does July make Bam move the car in Section 1?

2. What did Maureen’s father do for a living?

3. What does Maureen see when she steps out for a rain shower in Section 3?

4. How does Maureen know July is lying about what his family says upon their first meeting?

5. What does July say he plans to tell people when they ask about the bakke?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is July so humiliated that Maureen doesn’t like him having the car keys?

2. What does Victor’s anger at the “stealing” of “their” water show?

3. How does Maureen get the car keys in Section 4, why, and what is July’s reaction?

4. What does the author mean by “a contempt and humiliation that came from their blood and his” (pg 62)?

5. Describe what Bam and July are able to make for the village.

6. What is happening in South Africa at the time of the novel?

7. What does July learn to do in Section 4, and who teaches him?

8. What does Maureen mean when she thinks that the balance between love and duty is maintained differently based on the lovers’ place in the economy?

9. What types of items does July continue to bring the Smalls family, even in his village?

10. Describe the bakke, and its use in the Smalls family, both previously and currently.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In detail, explain what happened to the relationship between Bam and Maureen throughout the novel. Why did they both end up not only not caring for one another by the end of the novel, but not even understanding or even knowing one another? What happened to cause their separation?

Essay Topic 2

One theme of the novel is that of the complete role reversal between whites and blacks in the book, as shown through both the riots in town and the relationship between Maureen and July. Explain, in detail, this role reversal. Why does it happen, what is the result, and how does this change the world as July and Maureen know it?

Essay Topic 3

In the book, the chief is willing to kill other blacks in order to save his own lands and power. Describe this concept. Why would the chief be willing to kill “his own people” in the words of the Smalls? What does July explain that shows blacks are not all in collusion with one another? How does the chief see other blacks if they threaten his power? Does the Smalls’ belief that they should band together show support or a lack of understanding? Why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 985 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample