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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 is NOT one of the names given to the competition groups?

2. When the rains finally come during the digging frenzy, how much rain falls?

3. Who sets up the meeting for Zouga Ballantyne and the "nameless" man?

4. When the staging gives way at Zouga's claim, how many men plunge to the bottom of the pit in the basket that is being lowered?

5. After the fight between Zouga and the nameless man, who comes to Zouga's rescue?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Zouga react when the nameless man offers him an equal partnership in his scheme to gain profits by salting Zouga's claim?

2. What most surprises Zouga when he first arrives in Colesberg?

3. How does the leader of the tribal warriors respond when Zouga asks them why they are seeking their "treasure"?

4. Why does Ralph challenge his father when Zouga comes off the veranda brandishing his whip?

5. Why does Ralph leave school?

6. After Zouga nurses his boys back to health, he becomes increasingly anxious to begin working on his claims. Why?

7. What was Mungo St. John's reaction when the British navy tried to board his ship?

8. How does the tribal warrior recognize Zouga when the men first meet in the desert while Zouga is searching for workers?

9. At Jordan's luncheon, who offends Zouga simply by being there, and why is Zouga offended?

10. How are edicts from the Digger's Committee enforced?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses several different literary techniques as the story is told in regard to the story's flow. Describe the techniques of both flashbacks and foreshadowing. How are each of these techniques used in the story? Give specific examples of each technique. Why might the author have chosen to use both of these techniques in the story? Was the story enhanced by the use of these two techniques? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The book is entitled, "Men of Men". Why did the author choose this title? How does the title foreshadow the events that unfold in the story, the struggles of the main character, and the determination of Zouga Ballantyne to finally succeed?

Essay Topic 3

There is no doubt that Zouga Ballantyne is greatly affected by the events in the twelve years leading up to the story's beginning. Discuss how the rises and falls of Zouga's search for wealth impacted his decisions when he and his family finally reached Colesberg. How do Zouga's previous experiences affect his mental state, his ability to reason, his relationships, and his ability to continue on?

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