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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. At the end of Chapter Ten, what does Marion agree to do?

2. What does Hortensia think about when looking at Peter's dead body?

3. What was the name of Hortensia's classmate, nicknamed "K"?

4. Who is Frikkie?

5. Why does Hortensia want to remodel her home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Hortensia cite as her “last remaining comfort” in the world?

2. Why does Hortensia walk to the Koppie?

3. What is Marion’s current financial predicament in Chapter Three?

4. Why does Beulah Gierdien write a letter to the Katterijn community?

5. Why does Hortensia not wish to help Beulah Gierdien?

6. How is the committee dealing with the issues of Beulah Gierdien and the Samsodiens in Chapter Eight?

7. How does Hortensia feel when Peter dies?

8. How do Hortensia and Marion first meet?

9. What shocking news does the lawyer Mr. Marx reveal to Hortensia?

10. How does Marion perceive race?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Hortensia’s perception of and struggles with the concept of motherhood. How does this compare to Marion’s struggle?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of “age” as it applies to the main characters and the storyline. Why do you think the author chose to focus on two elderly woman?

Essay Topic 3

How do the flashback scenes serve the overall narrative of the novel? What information do we learn from these scenes?

(see the answer keys)

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