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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. How does Tambu feel when she enters her uncle's house for the first time?

2. Who are segregated at the swimming holes around Tambu's home?

3. Which of the following terms does Maiguru use to describe Nyasha's change of attitude?

4. What hopes does Tambu have when Nyasha first arrives at the home?

5. Which of the following is NOT a duty young girls in Tambu's village learn to do before getting married?

Short Essay Questions

1. What education does Maiguru have, and how has her education changed her role within the family?

2. How did Nhamo react to Babamukuru's home and how did his reaction affect Tambu when she arrives at the home?

3. What hopes does Tambu have for her relationship with Nyasha once she arrives at Babamukuru's home?

4. How is Babamukuru treated by the village when he returns?

5. What happens when Tambu begins to grow her own garden of corn to pay for her tuition?

6. How does Tambu feel about the food served to her and the cutlery she is forced to use at the table?

7. How does Babamukuru view the future of the village?

8. What strategies does Tambu employ to keep her mind on her studies?

9. How does Nyasha react to the fact that she cannot find her D.H. Lawrence book?

10. During Tambu's first dinner with the family, how does Babamukuru mandate when, and what, his family will eat?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the end of the novel, Babamukuru announces that Jeremiah and Mainini will have a church wedding. First, explain why this wedding was so important to Babamukuru that he would offer to pay for the whole thing. What traditional customs does this wedding represent? Then explain Tambu's reaction to the forced marriage. How does this wedding change her views of her family?

Essay Topic 2

Maiguru spends the entire novel babying her husband, Babamukuru. First, give two examples of times when Maiguru treats Babamukuru as a child rather than a man. Then explain the motivations Maiguru has for treating her husband in this way. How does it affect their marital relationship? Finally, explain whether or not you think Maiguru is a good wife to Babamukuru and why.

Essay Topic 3

At the opening of the novel, Tambu has a long discussion with her mother about womanhood, as Tambu's mother believes that being a woman is a burden. First, explain why Tambu's mother believes womanhood to be a burden. Then explain the advice she gives to her daughter about how to be a success in life. Do you see Tambu utilizing or ignoring this advise throughout the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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