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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. What was Elspeth eating in a "funny" way at Mrs. Nimmo's the day after the party?

2. What did Robin desire after making his fortune?

3. Who accompanied Ian Crawfurd when he arrived at Thika?

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

5. What crop was Smith growing?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How did Elsepth Huxley describe the smell of Africa?

6. How did Mrs. Palmer react to the condition of the man who was attacked and murdered on her property?

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

8. Why were the natives so fascinated by the lamp, but did not care about the gramophone?

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

10. How did Mrs. Nimmo react to the wild New Year's party?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

In the early chapters, Robin Huxley attracted the attention of the natives with his burning lamp, which the fascinated locals assumed was magical. What is the difference between magic and science for people not exposed to advanced technologies? Did a belief in magic and spirits slow down the natives' development of their own technologies? Would it slow down their acceptance and adoption of other peoples' technologies? Do the people with advanced technologies retain any beliefs in magic or spirits or does technology suppress those beliefs?

(see the answer keys)

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