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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. Who runs back to Babamukuru to tell him that Nyasha is alone with a boy?

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

3. How many scholarships do the nuns offer to the students at the missionary school?

4. How long does Nyasha sleep when she's getting a good night's sleep?

5. Which of the following characters begs Babamukuru to spare Nyasha and kill them instead?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Babamukuru propose to deal with the evil that has been following his family?

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

6. Who is Nyaradzo?

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

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

9. What is the process of being "screened out" at school and why does Nyasha fear it?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The older female characters have many different responsibilities. First, create a list of older female characters in the text and briefly describe each of their roles within the family. What is the attitude of the older women toward their responsibilities in the family? How do their attitudes compare/contrast to the attitudes of the younger girls?

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, Babamukuru announces that Jeremiah and Mainini will have a church wedding. First, explain why this wedding was so important to Babamukuru that he would offer to pay for the whole thing. What traditional customs does this wedding represent? Then explain Tambu's reaction to the forced marriage. How does this wedding change her views of her family?

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