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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 long was the journey from Nairobi to Thika?

2. Why did Sammy question the wisdom of burying the murder victim?

3. What did Robin initially try to use to "break the ice" with the natives?

4. What animal did Crawford "assign" to Mr. Palmer?

5. What did Tilly knit for Randall?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Tilly so overwhelmed by Africa in the first few weeks in Thika?

2. Briefly describe Elspeth's education in Africa.

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

4. How did Robin and Kupanya differ in their approach to negotiating the terms of a workers' contract?

5. What became of Tilly's initial attempt to "preserve an appearance of leisured elegance"?

6. Why was Robin having a difficult time with the oxen?

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

8. Why did Elspeth get upset at the end of Crawford's story about the whydah birds?

9. Describe the personality of Pioneer Mary.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lettice Palmer appeared to change in personality following the death of Ian. Write an essay describing how his death affected her. Why did she tell Elspeth that Africa was a cruel place and that nobody cared? What did her future appear to be?

Essay Topic 2

While riding to Londiani, Dirk told Elspeth a detailed story about the arduous trek taken by his Boer family to their new home. Write an essay describing how these experiences influenced Dirk's behavior as an adult. Was his upbringing in a self-sufficient environment a factor in his willing abandonment of Elspeth? Was he bitter toward the English? Did he seem to have any regard for the natives? How did Dirk compare to the other Dutchman encountered in the book, Mr. Roos?

Essay Topic 3

Elspeth Huxley pointed out that the Kikuyu language did not have any words for "thank you" and that the Europeans therefore often accused them of ingratitude. Why did the Kikuyu lack the words to express gratitude? Were they truly lacking in gratitude? How important are words in expressing thanks? Did they seem to display gratitude toward one another? Was Elspeth perhaps right when she said the natives simply viewed the Europeans as different and therefore, not in need of thanks?

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This section contains 1,029 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample