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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 name of the man Lucia arrived at the homestead with?

2. Where is Tambu's mother lying when the family first arrives?

3. What part of Nyasha's recent behavior at exam times worries Maiguru?

4. For which holiday does the city host a dance for the school-age children?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What is Tambu's punishment for refusing to attend her parents' wedding?

8. What causes Lucia to burst out of the kitchen during the family meeting and attack Takesure?

9. Who is Nyaradzo?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

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.

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