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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 is NOT a chore Tambu is expected to complete while visiting her family at the homestead?

2. Despite having a latrine, where does Tambu go to the bathroom?

3. Which of the following characters stays behind after the holidays to care for Ma'Shingayi?

4. Which of the following characters is NOT blamed by Babamukuru for Nyasha's wild ways?

5. How long had Lucia been homeless before coming to stay at the homestead?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tambu feel about her parents' impending wedding ceremony?

2. How do Nyasha's parents react to the dress she wears to the Christmas dance?

3. How does Tambu feel about having to return to the homestead to visit her family for Christmas?

4. What is the process of being "screened out" at school and why does Nyasha fear it?

5. Why doesn't Nyasha want to attend the missionary school one town over?

6. During the family meeting, what does Lucia say about Jeremiah and his relationship with Ma'Shingayi?

7. How does Tambu feel about the village latrine?

8. How does Lucia rouse Ma'Shingayi from her depression?

9. How does Ma'Shingayi feel about Lucia staying on the homestead?

10. How does Babamukuru feel about Lucia's presence on the homestead?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Tambu's family runs on a strict hierarchy. First, explain the hierarchy within Tambu's extended family -- who is on top? Who is on the bottom? Then explain how the hierarchy is expressed during the opening scenes in the novel, when Babamukuru first returns to the village. Then compare/contrast that to the way the hierarchy is expressed when Tambu returns to the village for the Christmas holidays. What has changed? What has stayed the same?

Essay Topic 2

At the end of the novel, Nyasha is struggling with an eating disorder. First, explain how this disorder affects life within her household. Then explain why Dangarembga might have chosen this particular disease for Nyasha to struggle with. What might this disease symbolize in Nyasha's life?

Essay Topic 3

Tambu experiences many culture shocks when she leaves the village and joins Babamukuru's family in the city. First, create a list of amenities Tambu is unused to in the city, and briefly explain how she copes with these changes. Then explain Tambu's struggle with self-pity. Why does she feel this way about herself after moving to the city?

(see the answer keys)

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