View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following characters stays behind after the holidays to care for Ma'Shingayi?

2. What job does Babamukuru find for Lucia?

3. Which of the following is the same about Ma'Shingayi and Lucia at the time when Tambu comes to visit?

4. During which grade in school do the nuns arrive to give students general examinations?

5. After the holidays, how long will Tambu and Nyasha be separated before the beginning of the next school year?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tambu react when Lucia announces that she is leaving the homestead for good?

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

3. What is the process of being "screened out" at school and why does Nyasha fear it?

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

5. How does Ma'Shingayi feel about Lucia staying on the homestead?

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

7. How do Nyasha's parents react to the dress she wears to the Christmas dance?

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

9. What does Nyaradzo believe to be special about her brothers?

10. What is Maiguru responsible for during the trip to the homestead, and how does she react to this responsibility?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Maiguru spends the entire novel babying her husband, Babamukuru. First, give two examples of times when Maiguru treats Babamukuru as a child rather than a man. Then explain the motivations Maiguru has for treating her husband in this way. How does it affect their marital relationship? Finally, explain whether or not you think Maiguru is a good wife to Babamukuru and why.

Essay Topic 2

The male characters in the novel all have similar reactions to the role of women in their homes. First, create a list of male characters in the novel and briefly explain each of their attitudes toward women in the home. Then explain some of the special, sometimes burdensome, responsibilities of successful men in the family.

Essay Topic 3

At the end of the novel, Babamukuru chastises Nyasha, accusing her of being promiscuous. Why did Babamukur believe that Nyasha was acting inappropriately? Do you agree with his assessment of his daughter's behavior? Why or why not? Second, explain the double standard Babamukuru has for his children's behavior. How does he feel about Chido's promiscuous ways?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,041 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample