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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 Babamukuru claim he cannot eat a meal without?

2. Which of the following articles of clothing has Tambu never heard of?

3. What language does Chido speak?

4. Which of the following statements is NOT true of Nyasha?

5. What disease was Nhamo diagnosed as dying from?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tambu react to her sleeping arrangements at Babamukuru's house?

2. How is the ice between Tambu and Nyasha finally broken, and what do they discuss during their first conversation?

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

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

5. What emotions does Tambu feel when she enters her uncle, Babamukuru's, home for the first time?

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

7. What excuses does Maiguru make about Nyasha's poor attitude and rude behavior?

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

9. What happens when Tambu is in town with Mr. Matimbo?

10. Why are the young men at Babamukuru's dinner party unhappy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the start of the story, Dangarembga writes that this will be a story of "entrapment, escape, and rebellion." Do you agree with this assessment of the story? Why or why not? Give two examples of scenes that support Dangarembga's claim. Then give two examples of scenes that counteract this claim.

Essay Topic 2

Although many of the characters in the novel are black Africans, there are a few scenes in which the black characters interact with white characters. First, give examples of two scenes in which blacks and whites interact. Then describe the speech patterns of the white characters and compare/contrast that speech to the black characters. Based on their verbal interactions, how do the white characters regard the black characters?

Essay Topic 3

Back at the homestead, two interesting characters, Lucia and Takesure, are introduced for one scene only. First, describe Lucia, Takesure, and their relationship. Why do you think Dangarembga chose to introduce these characters so late in the novel? What do these two characters represent to Tambu when she returns to the village for the first time?

(see the answer keys)

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