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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 about the way Nyasha speaks to Maiguru?

2. Who does Babamukuru claim should take Nhamo's place at the parochial school?

3. Which of the following adjectives does Tambu use to describe Nyasha when she first arrives to the home?

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

5. Which of the following bits of advice is NOT given to Tambu during her formal welcoming speech?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Tambu's father react to the news that there isn't enough money for both of his children to attend school?

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

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

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

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

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

10. How does Nhamo die?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Tambu has spent her entire life fighting to be able to attend school. First, explain why Tambu was taken out of school in the first place. Then explain how Tambu used seeds to put herself through school and how her brother attempted to sabotage her plans. Finally, explain why Nhamo would have wanted Tambu to fail in her education.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, Tambu struggles with whether she wants to remember or forget her family in the village. First, give examples of two scenes in which Tambu expresses her struggle with memory. Then describe why it would be beneficial for Tambu to remember her family back home, and why it would be beneficial for her to forget where she came from.

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