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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. Which of the following adjectives does Babamukuru use to describe school-age children?

2. Which of the following utensils does Tambu need to eat properly?

3. Who is Netsai in relation to Tambu?

4. How does Nhamo feel about Babamukuru's house?

5. What task is Tambu asked to do for the visiting relatives?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Tambu have a difficult time bonding with Nyasha?

4. How does Babamukuru's family feel about their maid, Anna?

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

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

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

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

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

10. How does Nhamo die?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Toward the end of the first semester, Nyasha becomes increasingly obsessed with her schooling and final exams. How does Nyasha display her nervousness about the end of term? How does this nervousness compare/contrast with Tambu's nervousness? What is suddenly motivating Nyasha to succeed, and what does she fear if she fails?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Throughout the novel, Tambu is concerned with progress and hopes to find "liberation" at the Sacred Heart school. What does Tambu hope to be "liberated" from? How does this compare/contrast to the way Nyasha feels they will be "trapped"? By the end of the story, how has Tambu's attitude toward liberation and "white progress" changed?

(see the answer keys)

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