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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. What does Zouga initially believe that Mungo is carrying on the ship to trade?

2. When Zouga asks the nameless man what he's selling, how does the nameless man respond?

3. According to the Digger's Committee, what is the wage Zouga is allowed to pay his men?

4. At Jordan's luncheon, who presents Louise with a "perfect" diamond?

5. At Jordan's luncheon, who teaches Louise about the nuances of diamonds?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Zouga prepares to keep the rendezvous with the nameless man, why is Zouga desperate?

2. Describe Hendrick Naaiman.

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

4. Giving up the statue was especially painful for Jordan. What does Jordan equate the statue with?

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

6. While he is down in the pit, why does the Matabele warrior lean into the mud wall - the action that enables him to find the large diamond?

7. How does Zouga characterize Mungo St. John when he first shows up in Colesberg?

8. Why do the Matabele typically keep their treasures buried under the floor in their huts?

9. Describe the reaction of Zouga's wife when she first arrives in Africa.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In many ways, the novel is a series of contrasts designed to heighten the reader's awareness and draw the reader deeper into the story and the intricacies of each of the story's characters. Identify at least three contrasts that are used in the novel. Describe these contrasts and determine how they impact the story's plot, as well as the reader's emotional involvement in the characters' lives. If these identified contrasts were not included in the story, what impact would their absence have on the storyline, the characters' development, and the readers' involvement?

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

One of the main themes in this novel involves honor.

a. Identify three characters that are honorable in their actions. For each character, describe an instance in which the character acted honorably.

b. Why do these characters try to do the honorable thing?

c. What is the outcome for these characters? Were they successful in their endeavors, or would they have been more successful if they had not taken the honorable route? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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