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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the primary emotional reaction of everyone Kumalo asks about Absalom?
(a) They all seem disgusted with Absalom.
(b) They all seem fond of Absalom.
(c) They all seem afraid of Absalom.
(d) They all seem proud of Absalom.

2. Which character encourages Kumalo to pray and look for things to be grateful for rather than to wallow in self-pity?
(a) Mrs. Lithebe.
(b) Father Vincent.
(c) Mr. Carmichael.
(d) Msimangu.

3. What is the FIRST place Kumalo and Msimangu visit to track down Absalom?
(a) They visit a factory where Absalom worked.
(b) They visit the Shanty Town in Orlando.
(c) They visit a reformatory.
(d) They visit Mrs. Ndlela’s house.

4. What year does the novel take place?
(a) 1966.
(b) 1956.
(c) 1936.
(d) 1946.

5. What weapon did Absalom use to kill Arthur Jarvis?
(a) A revolver.
(b) His bare hands.
(c) An iron bar.
(d) A knife.

6. What is the profession of the murdered white man?
(a) He is a mining executive.
(b) He is a university professor.
(c) He is an engineer.
(d) He is a doctor.

7. Which character is angriest that Absalom has disappeared?
(a) Kumalo.
(b) Msimangu.
(c) The girl.
(d) The reformatory worker.

8. What was the murdered man most well-known for?
(a) He was a rising local politician.
(b) He advocated for a separate nation for blacks.
(c) He spoke and wrote publicly for equal rights for blacks.
(d) He had married a black woman.

9. After a visit from Mrs. Ndlela, what does Msimangu decide to do?
(a) He decides to consult with the police on their investigation.
(b) He decides to immediately hire a lawyer for Absalom.
(c) He decides to go visit Mrs. Mkize without Kumalo.
(d) He decides to offer consolation to the murdered man’s widow.

10. What wealth-making industry has drawn so many young men to the city?
(a) Gold.
(b) Platinum.
(c) Oil.
(d) Diamonds.

11. What is the name of the family Absalom was living with in Orlando?
(a) Pafuri.
(b) Jarvis.
(c) Seme.
(d) Hlayshwayo.

12. How long does it take to erect Shanty Town?
(a) One year.
(b) One month.
(c) One week.
(d) One night.

13. Why does Kumalo go to see his brother before visiting Absalom in jail?
(a) Because John’s own son was an accomplice in the murder.
(b) Because John’s rousing oratory has been implicated in the justification for murder.
(c) Because John is a powerful man and might be able to help Absalom get bail.
(d) Because John is Absalom’s godfather and will want to visit Absalom as well.

14. What neighborhood is Gertrude living in?
(a) Alexandra.
(b) Claremont.
(c) Sophiatown.
(d) Orlando.

15. How does Absalom’s girl react when Kumalo tells her she will have to leave Johannesburg if she marries Absalom?
(a) She wants to put her baby up for adoption instead.
(b) She sulks and wishes to break off the engagement.
(c) She is pleased at the idea of a quiet, rural life.
(d) She demands financial compensation for the inconvenience.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Stephen Kumalo receive a letter from in the opening pages of the novel?

2. Why did Kumalo’s sister originally go to the city?

3. Mrs. Lithebe is afraid which character will be a bad influence on Absalom’s girl?

4. Why does Kumalo feel betrayed by his brother John?

5. Where was the white man murdered?

(see the answer keys)

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