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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 the Matabele warrior use to pry the diamond in the pit loose?

2. Who ends up serving lunch to Cecil Rhodes?

3. Who quickly becomes a sorter with an uncanny talent for picking out diamonds, no matter the size or color?

4. Who is the chairman of the Kimberley Sporting Club?

5. Who presides over Zouga's sorting table?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. On the way to deliver the statue, Jordan entertains the notion of running away with it. Why does Jordan end up delivering the statue?

4. As Zouga approaches the location where he is meeting the nameless man, Zouga feels fear. Why does Zouga enjoy feeling fear?

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

6. As Zouga prepares to keep the rendezvous with the nameless man, Zouga only has his claims left to sell. Why is Zouga unwilling to sell his claims?

7. After Mungo has been released from prison in Cape Town, Zouga loses contact with Mungo. How do they finally make contact with each other again?

8. When the tribal warriors first reach the diamond claim, what does Jan Cheroot have to show them?

9. Why does Zouga's wife insist on accompanying him to Colesberg as the story begins?

10. After the road caves in, why does Zouga send his Matabele down into the pressure crack that the water had opened?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Zouga Ballantyne seems to be a man who is supremely confident in his ability to come out on top. Identify at least three instances from the story that highlight his confidence. How is Zouga helped by his confidence? How is Zouga hurt by his confidence? Provide examples of each.

Essay Topic 2

One of the main themes in this novel involves greed.

a. Identify three characters that are motivated by greed to further their interests.

b. How does greed affect these characters, their decisions, and their actions?

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 been so greedy? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Louise St. John and Aletta Ballantyne.

a. How are the two characters similar? How are they different?

b. What is revealed about each character as their back stories are explained? Discuss how the quest for the truth affects both of these characters.

(see the answer keys)

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