View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the leader of the Venloo Commandos?

2. What happens to residents of Sophiatown in 1955?

3. Why does the Dutch Reform Church not sanction the Voortrekkers?

4. Who is sent to the south to see if the Dutch families there can be counted on to join the Dutch families in the north if fighting breaks out between the English and the Dutch?

5. What honor does Queen Victoria bestow on Richard Saltwood for his many actions on England's behalf in Africa?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss symbolism and metaphor in The Covenant. Give three examples of symbolism in the plays in this book and discuss what the symbols are used to convey.

Essay Topic 3

Some marriages in The Covenant are arranged, some are marriages of convenience, and some are nontraditional interracial relationships. Discuss any three of the following relationships: Willem Van Doorn, Ateh/Deborah, and Katje; Hilary Saltwood, Vera, and Emma; Lodevicus Van Doorn, Rebecca, and Wilhelmina Heimstra; and Paul de Prè, Petronella Van Doorn, and Annatjie Van Doorn. How does the historical era of each union affect the relationship? What do you think the author is saying about the availability of single European women and life on the South African frontier through these marriages?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 329 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample