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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. The warrior who suddenly steps out of the forest was once known as the Ax. What is the warrior more commonly called now?

2. In Tanase's vision, how does Bazo die?

3. What present does Victoria give to Cecil Rhodes from her mother?

4. What is the praise name that the Matabele have given to Zouga Ballantyne?

5. What percentage of the profits from Harkness Mine will go to Cecil's company?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Gandang so sure that the old times will come again even as his most senior wife tries to convince him that the Matabele has to change as the world has changed?

2. Even though Gandang does not like Robyn, he does respect her. Why?

3. As Jan Cheroot and Zouga debate how many days Zouga had originally marched east from the ruins, why do the two men disagree on what the actual number of days is?

4. When Bazo returns to Gandang's kraal, he hears gunfire in the distance. Why are guns being fired?

5. How does Ralph feel when he first sees the man who steps suddenly from the forest?

6. When Ralph returns home to find his wife upset by Cecil Rhodes, what does Cathy complain that Cecil Rhodes has taken over?

7. Why is Jordan so uncomfortable when Ralph and Cecil begin to argue at the camp?

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

9. Why does Robyn eventually publish "Trooper Hackett of Matabeleland" with her own money?

10. Describe the scene around Cathy and Ralph's camp after the plague had passed.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characteristics, roles, loyalties, and agendas of the following people in the story: Bazo, Ralph Ballantyne, Robyn St. John, Cecil Rhodes, and Jordan Ballantyne.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Craig Mellow and Samson Kumalo.

a. How are the two characters similar? How are they different?

b. Compare the role that justice plays in each of their lives. How is each character affected by the concept of justice - both positively and negatively?

Essay Topic 3

In addition to revenge, jealousy is a central theme of this novel.

a. Identify three characters that are motivated by jealousy. Describe their reasons for being jealous. Is their jealousy founded? Why or why not?

b. How does jealousy affect these characters, their decisions, and their actions?

c. What is the outcome for these characters? Were they successful in their endeavors or would they have been more successful if they had not been jealous? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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