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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. Who asks Hilary Saltwood to serve as a character witness for him, and help him defend himself against the Black Circuit commision's charge of cruelty and murder?

2. Which of the following wildlife is not seen at the lake at the beginning of Chapter One?

3. What has the king of Zimbabwe decreed that every man or woman passing the Field of Granite en route to Zimbabwe must take with them to the city?

4. What is the name of the Van Doorn estate in South Africa?

5. Who does Old Seeker want Nxumalo to marry?

Short Essay Questions

1. What brings Lodevicus Van Doorn's wife Rebecca into conflict with her in-laws?

2. What conflicts does Philip Saltwood observe in South Africa during his stay there?

3. Explain the trade established between the city of Zimbabwe and the Arabians.

4. How do Frank and Maud Saltwood assist Dutch prisoners in Chapter Ten?

5. What does Mfecane mean, and how does Mzilikazi contribute to the period of Mfecane?

6. In Chapter Ten, to what does Micah Nxumalo see the battle between the English and the Dutch as a forerunner?

7. How does Richard Saltwood earn the nickname Cupid?

8. Why are white miners starving in Chapter Twelve?

9. How does Paulus De Groot influence Detlev Van Doorn's education?

10. How are Hilary and his wife, Emma, treated after their marriage, and is their treatment any different in England than it is in South Africa?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of apartheid in The Covenant. Include the perspective of both white and black South Africans. What do you think the author is trying to say about apartheid through his depiction of it in the novel? Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

The Covenant contains a number of instances of irony. Cite at least three examples of irony in the novel, and explain how it is used to indicate events to come.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the concept of religion in The Covenant. Give examples of how religion affects at least three characters in the novel. What do you think James Michener is trying to say about religion in society through these characters? Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

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