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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. In what country is this story set?

2. How does Zwelinzima begin to act as Style interacts with him?

3. According to Styles, what happened to his father after he returned home from the war?

4. What other piece of contact information does Zwelinzima give to Styles?

5. What did the owner of the house do to help the narrator of the letter while he was supposedly living there?

Short Essay Questions

1. How much respect does Buntu have for Sizwe?

2. How is the name "Doom" significant in Styles' story about the cockroach problem?

3. How do Sizwe and Buntu find the dead body after they leave the bar?

4. Why, after Sizwe asks Buntu how long it will "last," does Buntu suddenly says he's tired, bid goodnight to Robert and leave?

5. What can be extrapolated from the fact that Sizwe writes to his wife about living in another woman's home, and that despite their working together, they were not able to succeed?

6. What is the significance of the kitten's name?

7. How does Sizwe and Buntu's disagreement about what to do with the dead body foreshadow their later conflict about Sizwe changing identity?

8. What does Buntu say to Sizwe to convince him to change identity?

9. Comment upon the feelings of what a western audience might feel in the face of the idea of changing one's identity.

10. At the start of Part 3, why does Buntu say Sizwe is in real trouble?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the idea of being 'alive' versus being 'dead' or a 'ghost' as represented in the play.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss how foreshadowing is used in the play, making particular reference to either:

A) Styles' monologue in Part 1.

OR

B) Buntu's actions in Parts 4 and 5.

Essay Topic 3

It is ironic that the only place where Sizwe feels dignified and respected is at a bar - a place of drinking, vices, and escape from reality? Do you agree with this statement? Discuss.

(see the answer keys)

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