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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. Whose trust does Martin Wade have that is very unusual?

2. What activity do the narrator and Nelson do together around the village?

3. What characteristics does "Z" demonstrate?

4. What does "Z" do for a living?

5. Why does the narrator try to find Nelson Denoon?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the narrator's reaction to meeting Nelson Denoon. How is he different from her expectations?

2. What feelings does the narrator have as a result of visiting Victoria Falls with Giles? Why?

3. Who is "Z" and what relationship does the narrator share with him?

4. The narrator travels across the desert to Tsau with two donkeys. How does she feel about them? Why?

5. What does the sandstorm at the end of the American diplomat's party represent?

6. Who is Martin Wade and what relationship does the narrator share with him?

7. How does the narrator prepare to leave for Tsau? How does she plan to travel? What risks is she taking?

8. Why does the narrator stick to the story she created when she first entered Tsau?

9. What kinds of jokes does the narrator tell Nelson after dinner at Mma Isang's? Why?

10. What does the narrator pretend to be when she enters Tsau? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The relationship between blacks and whites in Africa has changed throughout history. Research the history of the Botswana area and create a time line of facts, changes, and political movements. Explain how the history of the area is important to the racial climate in the story, the characters' actions, and how it impacts the relationships in the story.

Essay Topic 2

The reader sees increasingly Nelson Denoon's need and desire to pull away from the governing of Tsau, but he is unable to do so. Explain three examples the author gives of this dilemma. Why does this dilemma exist?

Essay Topic 3

There are indications throughout the story that the narrator has had a poor relationship with her mother. What are some of these examples? How do you think the narrator's relationship with her mother shapes her current relationships and approach to life?

(see the answer keys)

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