View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did the natives take after negotiating payment for work?

2. What did the Kikuyu do if someone died inside a hut?

3. How did Randall Smith spend his Sundays?

4. How long did Sammy stay at Fort Hall?

5. What sentimental possession of Mrs. Nimmo's was damaged during the party?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why were the natives so fascinated by the lamp, but did not care about the gramophone?

2. What was Lettice Palmer's first reaction to the health conditions in Africa?

3. What happened to Njombo after he killed the man on the Palmer's property?

4. How did Elsepth Huxley describe the smell of Africa?

5. Why were the natives so eager to bring their children to Tilly?

6. How did Mrs. Palmer react to the condition of the man who was attacked and murdered on her property?

7. What did Lettice Palmer find most disturbing about Africa and what was she most concerned about for herself and fellow Europeans?

8. Describe the personalities of Mr. and Mrs. Oram.

9. Describe the relationship the Kikuyu had with their surroundings.

10. What did the Masai consider the greatest glory of mankind?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Among the motivations for coming to Africa, mentioned by some of the settlers, was a desire to "bring civilization" to the locals. What exactly did they mean by that? Were they interested in bringing technologies and scientific advancements, or were they interested in more fundamental cultural changes (such as religion, government, etc.)? In what ways did the Africans benefit from some of the things brought by the Europeans? In what ways would their cultures have suffered irreversible damage? Were there things the Africans could have taught the Europeans had they been more open-minded? Is it ever possible to share advanced technologies with another culture without damaging that culture?

Essay Topic 2

Elspeth Huxley pointed out that the Kikuyu language did not have any words for "thank you" and that the Europeans therefore often accused them of ingratitude. Why did the Kikuyu lack the words to express gratitude? Were they truly lacking in gratitude? How important are words in expressing thanks? Did they seem to display gratitude toward one another? Was Elspeth perhaps right when she said the natives simply viewed the Europeans as different and therefore, not in need of thanks?

Essay Topic 3

There is a high-spirited debate between Hereward and Robin about the difference between a bribe and a tip. The Europeans were taught to reject bribery, while bribery was essential to running many African colonies. What are the essential differences between bribes and tips? Is it simply a matter of timing? Were the Europeans making it difficult for themselves by refusing bribes? Could they have made their lives easier by adopting the local customs and accepting the use of bribes instead of tips?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,092 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample