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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 are Ma'Shingayi and Lucia related?

2. Which of the following characters does NOT fall to their knees in gratitude to Babamukuru?

3. Which of the following women is the eldest in Tambu's family?

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

5. Which of the following is NOT a reason Lucia gives as to why she must stay on the homestead?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tambu feel about the village latrine?

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

3. What happens to Nyasha when she is late to the dinner table on the evening before Tambu leaves for the Sacred Heart?

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

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

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

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

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

9. How does Tambu feel when Babamukuru returns to the city, leaving her alone with her pregnant mother?

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

When the story opens, Tambu admits that she was not sorry when her brother died. First, explain the relationship Tambu had with her older brother, Nhamo. Then explain how Nhamo's death affected Tambu's life and why she might have been pleased to see him die.

Essay Topic 2

Jeremiah, Tambu's father, is an interesting male character. First, physically describe Jeremiah and compare/contrast his physicality to his brother, Babamukuru. Then explain how Jeremiah makes a living in the village and why he is so dependent on his brother.

Essay Topic 3

Although many of the characters in the novel are black Africans, there are a few scenes in which the black characters interact with white characters. First, give examples of two scenes in which blacks and whites interact. Then describe the speech patterns of the white characters and compare/contrast that speech to the black characters. Based on their verbal interactions, how do the white characters regard the black characters?

(see the answer keys)

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