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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. Whom does Babamukuru compliment for the work done on the homestead while he was away?

2. Which of the following characters stays behind after the holidays to care for Ma'Shingayi?

3. What job does Babamukuru find for Lucia?

4. What is the name of Tambu's youngest brother?

5. After the wedding, how long is Anna given off so Tambu can complete the household chores?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Maiguru react to the vicious fight that breaks out between Babamukuru and Nyasha after the dance?

3. How are the dresses for Ma'Shingayi's wedding purchased?

4. After Nyasha collapses and is brought to the doctor, what is her diagnosis?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Back at the homestead, two interesting characters, Lucia and Takesure, are introduced for one scene only. First, describe Lucia, Takesure, and their relationship. Why do you think Dangarembga chose to introduce these characters so late in the novel? What do these two characters represent to Tambu when she returns to the village for the first time?

Essay Topic 2

"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 3

At the end of the novel, Nyasha is struggling with an eating disorder. First, explain how this disorder affects life within her household. Then explain why Dangarembga might have chosen this particular disease for Nyasha to struggle with. What might this disease symbolize in Nyasha's life?

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