View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why was Alec Wilson in Africa?

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

3. In the folktale, what resulted from the chameleon's failure to deliver God's message?

4. Why did the warriors refuse to remove any more weeds?

5. What did Robin agree to pay for the work?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Briefly describe Elspeth's education in Africa.

3. Describe the personality of Pioneer Mary.

4. What did the Masai consider the greatest glory of mankind?

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

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

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

8. Describe the relationship the Kikuyu had with their surroundings.

9. What kind of person did Ian Crawford appear to be?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After Njombo killed a man in a fight, he had to pay a blood price to the victim's family in the form of goats. Write an essay discussing this method of justice. How did this system help keep the peace for the locals? How did the natives maintain peace and order (they were also known not to steal from one another) if there was no threat of arrest or prison? Why was Hereward Palmer determined to introduce Western-style justice to Africa? How would a trial and prison have affected both Njombo and the tribe as a whole? Can there be different cultural approaches to justice? Or is justice black and white?

Essay Topic 2

There are many interesting observations about men and women in the book. In various encounters, some of the natives are practically naked, which seems to offend the European men more than the European women. In addition, the African women often work much harder than their men and Ian said that African men were appalled at the level of freedom European women had. Write an essay outlining the different attitudes toward gender roles displayed by the Africans and the Europeans. Did either culture seem to have a better belief system? Did either side tolerate the others' beliefs? Was there room for compromise or were the two world-views too far apart to bridge?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,051 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample