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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 first doctor Nyasha's parents take her to see?

2. Which of the following is NOT something Lucia is accused of while staying at the homestead?

3. How does Lucia feel about her new job?

4. What does Lucia threaten to do to Ma'Shingayi's baby if she doesn't get out of bed?

5. Who is the first person Maiguru stays with after leaving Babamukuru?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Nyasha find most strange about the white people who live at the mission?

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

4. How does Tambu feel about the village latrine?

5. What does Nyaradzo believe to be special about her brothers?

6. What is Maiguru responsible for during the trip to the homestead, and how does she react to this responsibility?

7. Who is Nyaradzo?

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

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

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

"Nervous Conditions" is the title of this novel. First, explain if you think it is a fitting title. Why or why not? Then, list at least three characters who exhibit nervous conditions throughout the novel. How does their nervousness manifest? How do their conditions affect their lives?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Every time Babamukuru arrives to the village, there is much uproar. First, explain the traditions villagers have in welcoming Babamukuru to their homes. Then explain why Babamukuru is treated so royally. Finally, explain Tambu's reaction to the fanfare welcoming Babamukuru to the home. How does this reaction change as the novel progresses?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 980 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample