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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 is the meaning of the name by which Zouga introduces himself to the warriors he comes upon?

2. What is the name of the Hottentot servant who actually first finds the diamonds at Colesberg kopje?

3. What is the name of the first warrior that returns Zouga's greeting and introduces himself to Zouga?

4. How long has Kamuza been away when he finally returns to Colesberg?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. When Jordan asks Zouga why they can't just keep the sculpture, how does Zouga respond to Jordan?

9. 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?

10. Describe what married life was like for Zouga's wife.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Ralph and Jordan Ballantyne.

a. How are the two characters similar in terms of their professional lives? How are they different?

b. How are the two characters similar in their personality characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses? How are they different?

c. Looking forward, how might the fight between Ralph and Zouga have impacted Jordan long-term more so than impacting Ralph? Did the fight affect both of these men as they moved forward with their lives? Were the men similarly affected or not? Explain your answers and your reasoning.

(see the answer keys)

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