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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 many years of detention did Leila serve "at the pleasure of the Rhodesian government"?

2. Who was the first prime minister of Rhodesia?

3. Who is Bawu?

4. As Craig Mellow drives to the Khami Mission, who is with him in the Land Rover?

5. How much of his sentence does Zouga actually serve before being released?

Short Essay Questions

1. When the two men insist that Samson must join them, why does Samson agree even though he abhors violence and war?

2. When Gideon chides Samson's uncertainty, what does Gideon tell Samson about strong men?

3. When Tungata and his soldiers reach the lands of the white farmers, what do the soldiers do?

4. As his navigator is trying to create a safe path through the minefield, why does Roland insist on telling the navigator the gruesome details about the attack on Janine?

5. When Tungata and his men are spotted by Scouts, why does Tungata's thinking suddenly turn cold and clear?

6. When Vicky and Douglas offer to have Janine come and live at Queen's Lynn, why does Janine decline their offer?

7. Why does Tungata ask for Janine's flight information for her return trip from Victoria Falls?

8. When Gideon is asked to join the two men that appear at his house, Gideon declines because he is old and blind. How does the elder of the two men respond when Gideon declines?

9. As Ralph makes his way back to Cathy, why is locomotive driver terrified?

10. Why is Craig Mellow embarrassed when he walks into the museum and is greeted by the woman behind the inquiries desk?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Wilbur Smith uses this story to examine revenge and the disastrous and horrific consequences that can result when one is driven by revenge. Examine the author's beliefs through his storytelling. Why would the author choose this story to overlay his demonstration of the consequences realized when revenge is a primary motive? What did you learn from the author's discussion on revenge? What other avenues, if any, could the author have used to express his beliefs? Would those avenues have been as effective as the story? Why or why not?

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

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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