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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who reveals to the Jarvises that their son has been murdered?
(a) Stephen Kumalo.
(b) Their son’s brother-in-law, John Harrison.
(c) Their daughter in law, Mary Jarvis.
(d) A local police captain, Van Jaarsveld.

2. What final feeling does the novel have about the future of Africa?
(a) It is optimistic that racial equality will be achieved.
(b) It indicates Africa will soon undergo violent revolution to achieve change.
(c) It is anxious and uncertain about when racial equality will be achieved.
(d) It is pessimistic that the races will ever live in harmony.

3. What do Ndotsheni’s children lack which is causing them to die in greater than average numbers?
(a) Malaria medicine.
(b) Clean water.
(c) Vitamin C.
(d) Milk.

4. What option does Kumalo briefly consider upon returning home due to his shame regarding his family’s behavior?
(a) He considers resigning from the priesthood.
(b) He considers leaving Ndotsheni forever.
(c) He considers asking the Bishop to replace him as the Ndotsheni priest.
(d) None of the above.

5. Which sacrament is performed immediately following the sentencing in the prison?
(a) Last Rites.
(b) Matrimony.
(c) Reconciliation.
(d) Communion.

Short Answer Questions

1. What building does Jarvis’ wife want to finance for Ndotsheni?

2. Where does Kumalo keep vigil during Absalom’s execution?

3. What does Msimangu give Kumalo during their final moments together?

4. Which of the following does John Harrison, Sr. hope will happen when the murderer is caught?

5. What is James Jarvis’ main concern before learning of his son’s death?

Short Essay Questions

1. Compare and contrast James Jarvis and John Harrison, Sr.’s attitudes towards blacks before James starts reading Arthur’s papers.

2. Explain the metaphorical usage of the rainstorm that occurs in Book Three, Chapter 3.

3. Compare and contrast Absalom and his wife’s reactions to their wedding.

4. What becomes Kumalo’s obsession when he returns to Ndotsheni, and what ways does he act on it? What are the results of his efforts?

5. Describe how Kumalo reacts when the Bishop tells him he wants to remove Kumalo from Ndotsheni.

6. Summarize the main events of the meeting between James Jarvis and Kumalo at the house of Jarvis’ kinswoman Barbara Smith.

7. Describe the reactions of Kumalo, Msimangu, James Jarvis, and the police to John Kumalo’s speech about black mining laborers need to demand more pay for their work.

8. Compare and contrast the significance of the new gold mines in Odendaalsrust for whites and blacks, as indicated in Book Two, Chapter Six.

9. What anxiety does Kumalo have over the death of Margaret Jarvis, and how does James Jarvis ease it?

10. Compare Arthur Jarvis’ son’s attitude toward Kumalo and by extension blacks, to the attitude of the generations above him.

(see the answer keys)

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