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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 Nyasha feel about the upcoming school exams?

2. Which of the following is NOT a chore Tambu is expected to complete while visiting her family at the homestead?

3. Which of the following characters does NOT speak to Babamukuru about Tambu's punishment?

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

5. Who is put in charge of overseeing the food during the duration of the trip home?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does the family react to the news that Babamukuru has found Lucia a job?

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. How does Tambu feel about the village latrine?

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

At the start of the story, Dangarembga writes that this will be a story of "entrapment, escape, and rebellion." Do you agree with this assessment of the story? Why or why not? Give two examples of scenes that support Dangarembga's claim. Then give two examples of scenes that counteract this claim.

Essay Topic 3

Maiguru spends the entire novel babying her husband, Babamukuru. First, give two examples of times when Maiguru treats Babamukuru as a child rather than a man. Then explain the motivations Maiguru has for treating her husband in this way. How does it affect their marital relationship? Finally, explain whether or not you think Maiguru is a good wife to Babamukuru and why.

(see the answer keys)

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