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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. As the three women walk towards Gandang's kraal, what do they notice is missing from the land?

2. What does the name of Bazo's son mean?

3. At Khami Mission, who tells the girls that hundreds of soldiers are riding past the church?

4. What is the Matabele name given to Ralph?

5. When Robyn tells Mungo to leave the mission, Mungo sees the sky turning an unusual color in the distance. What is Mungo seeing?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Hammond, what is the first objective in course of action that has been decided on?

2. Why is Jordan so uncomfortable when Ralph and Cecil begin to argue at the camp?

3. Even though Gandang does not like Robyn, he does respect her. Why?

4. Describe the scene around Cathy and Ralph's camp after the plague had passed.

5. Why does Robyn eventually publish "Trooper Hackett of Matabeleland" with her own money?

6. When Ralph first sees the man who steps suddenly from the forest, what reason is Ralph given for the smoke he sees?

7. When Tanase greets Bazo as he is returning to Gandang's kraal, she calls Bazo a name that makes Bazo uncomfortable. Why does the name make Bazo uncomfortable?

8. Why does Victoria have to be convinced of their new honeymoon destination?

9. Why does Tanase not want to go to Ralph's camp for the night so that Ralph and Bazo can catch up?

10. What will the role of the mujiba be in the great storm?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ralph Ballantyne wears different masks in the story. Identify, then compare and contrast the different sides of Ralph Ballantyne. How would the entire plot have been affected if Ralph had not been successful at deceiving those around him, especially Bazo? Why is it necessary for Ralph to wear different masks? Explain your reasoning.

Essay Topic 2

Identify the groups of people trying to gain control of the Matabeleland. Compare and contrast these groups in terms of overall number, organization, overall motivation, ability to plan, and success achieved. How are they similar? How are they different? Does any one group actually end up controlling Matabeleland? Why or why not? Support your answer with examples from the story.

Essay Topic 3

One of the main themes is this novel is revenge.

a. Identify three characters that use revenge as their primary motivation. For each character, describe an instance in which the character acted out of a need for revenge.

b. Why do these characters seek revenge?

c. What is the outcome for these characters? Were they successful in their endeavors or would they have been more successful if they had gone after revenge? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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