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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. As he's trying to get out of going down in the mine shaft, what does Jan Cheroot claim to be?

2. According to what Cecil Rhodes tells Jordan, what is the most important asset of any nation?

3. According to the news from Bulawayo, where are Jameson's men preparing to attack?

4. How long does it take Ralph and Harry to peg their new claims in Wankie's country?

5. As the story opens, how many days have the men marched east from the ruins?

Short Essay Questions

1. As the Matabele men prepare to carry out their killings, what is Tanase's primary job?

2. When Tanase greets Bazo as he is returning to Gandang's kraal, she calls Bazo a name that makes Bazo uncomfortable. Why does the name make Bazo uncomfortable?

3. Why does Wankie want a wagon?

4. Why does Victoria have to be convinced of their new honeymoon destination?

5. Where is Wankie's country located?

6. When Ralph, Jan Cheroot, and Zouga are searching the land between the Limpopo and the Zambezi rivers, why is Ralph bored?

7. How does Bazo reply when the indunas ask when the "great storm" will begin?

8. To Ralph and Zouga, what is the worst kind of vermin found on the African plains and why?

9. How does Robyn explain to Juba her reasons for studying her chosen disease?

10. When Ralph first sees the man who steps suddenly from the forest, what reason is Ralph given for the smoke he sees?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the second half of the novel, Janine is involved with two very different men. Compare and contrast the relationship Janine has with Craig and the relationship Janine has with Roland. Then, compare and contrast these two men. How do these relationships influence not only Janine, but also the other people that are in her life?

Essay Topic 2

In many ways, the novel is a series of contrasts designed to heighten the reader's awareness and draw the reader deeper into the story and the intricacies of each of the story's characters. Identify at least three contrasts that are used in the novel. Describe these contrasts and determine how they impact the story's plot, as well as the reader's emotional involvement in the characters' lives. If these identified contrasts were not included in the story, what impact would their absence have on the storyline, the characters' development, and the readers' involvement?

Essay Topic 3

Planning is an essential part of the story for several characters, as well as for the author to ensure that his plots move forward. Identify instances in which Ralph, Bazo, Roland, and Tungata plan well for their upcoming plans. Identify instances in which each of these men fails to plan well. What is revealed about each of these characters through their ability - or lack thereof - to plan? How is the strength of the author revealed in his ability to have his characters adequately plan? Be sure to support your reasoning.

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