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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 age difference between Nhamo and Tambu?

2. To which of the following places does Tambu compare Babamukur's home?

3. Which of the following rooms of the home is particularly difficult for Tambu to navigate when she first moves to Babamukuru's

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

5. After the formal welcoming speech, which of the following contraptions is Tambu too embarrassed to admit she cannot work?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. How does Tambu feel about the tea Maiguru serves at her home?

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

8. What does Babamukuru say in his formal speech welcoming Tambu to the family?

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

10. How does Babamukuru control the education of the village children where Tambu lives?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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