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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. For which holiday does the city host a dance for the school-age children?

2. How many friends does Nyasha have at school?

3. Which of the following characters does NOT fall to their knees in gratitude to Babamukuru?

4. Despite having a latrine, where does Tambu go to the bathroom?

5. What is Babamukuru's only expense at Tambu's new school?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Babamukuru feel about Lucia's presence on the homestead?

2. How does Lucia rouse Ma'Shingayi from her depression?

3. What does Nyasha find most strange about the white people who live at the mission?

4. What happens to Nyasha when she is late to the dinner table on the evening before Tambu leaves for the Sacred Heart?

5. After Nyasha collapses and is brought to the doctor, what is her diagnosis?

6. Who is Nyaradzo?

7. What part about studying makes Nyasha most nervous, and how does she combat those nerves?

8. How does Tambu feel about her parents' impending wedding ceremony?

9. How does the family react to the news that Babamukuru has found Lucia a job?

10. Why do nuns from the Sacred Heart arrive at the mission school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Every time Babamukuru arrives to the village, there is much uproar. First, explain the traditions villagers have in welcoming Babamukuru to their homes. Then explain why Babamukuru is treated so royally. Finally, explain Tambu's reaction to the fanfare welcoming Babamukuru to the home. How does this reaction change as the novel progresses?

Essay Topic 2

The older female characters have many different responsibilities. First, create a list of older female characters in the text and briefly describe each of their roles within the family. What is the attitude of the older women toward their responsibilities in the family? How do their attitudes compare/contrast to the attitudes of the younger girls?

Essay Topic 3

Although many of the characters in the novel are black Africans, there are a few scenes in which the black characters interact with white characters. First, give examples of two scenes in which blacks and whites interact. Then describe the speech patterns of the white characters and compare/contrast that speech to the black characters. Based on their verbal interactions, how do the white characters regard the black characters?

(see the answer keys)

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