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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. What does Methuselah do that makes Nathan angry?

2. Orleanna's husband did what as an occupation?

3. What does Leah picture as her future career?

4. What do most of the girls Leah's age have in the Congo?

5. Before the Prices came to the Congo, which daughter was often stared at?

Short Essay Questions

1. What responsibilities to the girls have when mother is in bed? Does Nathan make the situation easier or harder on them?

2. Why do you think Orleanna stays with Nathan despite the ways that he treats her?

3. How did Orleanna meet Nathan? How did their relationship change?

4. What does Orleanna remember about Africa in Book 1?

5. What does Nathan Price's opinion of women seem to be based on the events and narration in Book 1?

6. Why do the Underdowns come to Kilanga? How does Nathan respond?

7. In Book 1, Rachel feels like the family is "in for it" in the Congo. Why do you think that Rachel feels this way?

8. How does Orleanna survive in the Congo amid all the hard work?

9. What is the Verse? Why do the girls get the Verse? Who is really to blame?

10. Why does Mama Tataba quit working for the Prices? Do you agree with her decision?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the symbolism of the green mamba in the novel? Why do you think Ruth May chose to think of the green mamba instead of somewhere else?

Essay Topic 2

Which character in the novel do you think that you are most like? Why do you think you are like this character? Which character do you think you are least like? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Nathan Price can be viewed as a symbol of colonial oppression. Discuss the similarities and differences between Nathan's treatment of the villagers in Kilanga and the Belgium's treatment of the Congo. How does Nathan illustrate the racial tension and intolerance that was often practiced in Africa by colonial powers?

(see the answer keys)

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