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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 job does Babamukuru find for Lucia?

2. What happens when students are "screened out"?

3. What surprises Tambu about the latrine at the homestead?

4. How does Tambu react to her first school dance?

5. Which of the following food items turns green when it cannot be refrigerated, but is still served to guests?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Ma'Shingayi feel about Tambu winning the scholarship?

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

4. What is the reaction from Babamukuru's family when Tambu wins a scholarship to the Sacred Heart?

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

6. How does Tambu react when Lucia announces that she is leaving the homestead for good?

7. What part about studying makes Nyasha most nervous, and how does she combat those nerves?

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

9. Why do nuns from the Sacred Heart arrive at the mission school?

10. How does Tambu feel about the village latrine?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

The older female characters have many different responsibilities. First, create a list of older female characters in the text and briefly describe each of their roles within the family. What is the attitude of the older women toward their responsibilities in the family? How do their attitudes compare/contrast to the attitudes of the younger girls?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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