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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. Where did the jiggas dig into the body?

2. According to Tilly, what was a main cause of the native children's bloated stomachs?

3. Where was Mr. Nimmo allegedly detained on business?

4. What ancient story did Crawford use as an example?

5. What birds did Crawford and Elspeth observe doing a mating ritual?

Short Essay Questions

1. Briefly describe Elspeth's education in Africa.

2. What were the Huxley's first impressions upon seeing the land that they had bought?

3. What happened to Njombo after he killed the man on the Palmer's property?

4. Why did Mrs. Palmer tell Elspeth Huxley that she should get two of any animal she wished to keep as a pet?

5. What was Lettice Palmer's first reaction to the health conditions in Africa?

6. Describe the personalities of Mr. and Mrs. Oram.

7. Why were the natives so eager to bring their children to Tilly?

8. How did Juma view the local inhabitants outside of Nairobi?

9. How did the differences between Mrs. Nimmo and Tilly come through in their first meeting?

10. How did Huxley describe the Kikuyu attitude toward theft?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The European settlers met in the book all had different reasons for coming to Africa--some simply for adventure, some to make a fortune, some seemingly to escape a bad situation. What was the societal impact to the Africans of the Europeans' settlement? Did the settlers have a different impact on the local culture depending on their different reasons for being there? Or did their mere presence, regardless of motivation, have a profound effect on the locals? Is seeking adventure or fortune a legitimate reason to colonize another culture?

Essay Topic 2

Despite his lack of success in a number of endeavors, Robin Huxley continued dreaming of fortune and moved his family to Africa in his latest attempt. At one point, Robin and Tilly have an interesting exchange about other settlers, debating whether they are romantics or fools. Based on Robin's behavior, which category did he belong in? Were his dreams realistic or was he pursuing a pipe dream? Is there in fact a big difference between a romantic and a fool?

Essay Topic 3

Elspeth Huxley at one point said that the natives never stole from one another, but did not seem to have any qualms about stealing from the Europeans. Why was this the case? What forces prompted the natives to avoid stealing from one another? How did they seem to view the Europeans and why would they be willing to steal from them? Did they view the Europeans as neighbors and fellow villagers or as something else entirely?

(see the answer keys)

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