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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. Where does Orleanna put Ruth May's body?

2. What kind of person does Orleanna think that Nathan is?

3. Who does Rachel think Brother Fowles looks like?

4. In what year does the CIA suggest replacing the Congolese government?

5. What did Ruth May see in Eeban Axelroot's plane?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Rachel in her life? Do you think she is happy?

2. What living creature invades Kilanga? What do the villagers do?

3. Why do you think that Leah now feels uncomfortable in the United States?

4. What happens during the big hunt?

5. Why do you think Adah begins to speak after Ruth May's death when she chose to remain silent before it?

6. Why do you think Adah says that the loss of life isn't always unwelcome?

7. Where does each of the girls go after Ruth May's death?

8. How has the Congo changed the Prices?

9. What happens to Ruth May at the end of Book 4? What happens after this event?

10. Why does Rachel think that she can't go back to the United States now?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Children are often noted as being more observant. Do you think Ruth May was more observant than other members of her family? What things did she see that her other family members did not? Do you think that her curious nature got her into trouble?

Essay Topic 2

Kingsolver narrates the novel through five characters. How does she make the characters sound and feel different? What effect does the five narrators have on the novel? Why do you think Kingsolver used this device in the novel? What unique insights does each character give about the Congo, the family, or other aspects of the novel?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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