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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 do the village women react to Tambu's cooking skills?

2. Where does Tambu's mother sell her food items?

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

4. Which of the following characters makes a long speech after dinner, formally welcoming Tambu into the family?

5. Which of the following food items aren't the children allowed to eat at the dinner party?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tambu react to Babamukuru's arrival in the village?

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

3. How do the girls at Sacred Heart treat Nyasha?

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

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

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

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

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

9. How does Nyasha feel about the time she and her brother spent in England?

10. What do the village children eat at the dinner party honoring Babamukuru?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

The male characters in the novel all have similar reactions to the role of women in their homes. First, create a list of male characters in the novel and briefly explain each of their attitudes toward women in the home. Then explain some of the special, sometimes burdensome, responsibilities of successful men in the family.

Essay Topic 3

At the end of the novel, Babamukuru chastises Nyasha, accusing her of being promiscuous. Why did Babamukur believe that Nyasha was acting inappropriately? Do you agree with his assessment of his daughter's behavior? Why or why not? Second, explain the double standard Babamukuru has for his children's behavior. How does he feel about Chido's promiscuous ways?

(see the answer keys)

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