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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. When Jordan delivers the statue to its new owner, Jordan is offered a job. What job is Jordan offered?

2. How big is the largest diamond that the man who finds the enrichment finds?

3. How long does Zouga Ballantyne spend in England trying to raise funding for his next adventure?

4. Who does Jordan believe his mother's spirit has become in her death?

5. What rank does Zouga Ballantyne hold?

Short Essay Questions

1. What first attracted Zouga's wife to Zouga?

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. As the two men fight, Ralph is filled with hatred for his father. What is the source of Ralph's hatred?

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

10. 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?

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

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 3

Mungo St. John wears different masks in the story. Both a thief and a liar, St. John is a study in contradictions - clearly, he can be an upstanding citizen, he just chooses not to. Identify, then compare and contrast the different sides of Mungo St. John. How would the entire plot have been affected if St. John had not been successful at deceiving those around him, especially King Lobengula? Why is it necessary for St. John to wear different masks? Explain your reasoning.

(see the answer keys)

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