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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. What kind of dogs did the Palmers bring to Africa?

2. What country did Mrs. Palmer like the best?

3. What animals did the Huxley family take with them to Africa?

4. Why was Tilly upset about Roger Stilbeck's letter?

5. What creatures did Crawford say were shy?

Short Essay Questions

1. What kind of person did Ian Crawford appear to be?

2. How did Robin and Kupanya differ in their approach to negotiating the terms of a workers' contract?

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

4. What became of Tilly's initial attempt to "preserve an appearance of leisured elegance"?

5. How did Juma view the local inhabitants outside of Nairobi?

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

7. Why was Tilly so overwhelmed by Africa in the first few weeks in Thika?

8. Describe the personality of Pioneer Mary.

9. Why was Robin having a difficult time with the oxen?

10. How did Huxley describe the Kikuyu attitude toward theft?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Despite his lack of success in a number of endeavors, Robin Huxley continued dreaming of fortune and moved his family to Africa in his latest attempt. At one point, Robin and Tilly have an interesting exchange about other settlers, debating whether they are romantics or fools. Based on Robin's behavior, which category did he belong in? Were his dreams realistic or was he pursuing a pipe dream? Is there in fact a big difference between a romantic and a fool?

Essay Topic 2

Pioneer Mary was known as a wild woman who in many ways behaved more like a man in Africa. She was both feared and respected by both Europeans and Africans. How was her personality shaped by her personal family tragedy (the loss of both her husband and two young children)? In what ways did her personality allow her to survive and thrive in an environment that could be hostile to a European, especially a woman in that day and age? Did her wildness contribute to her ability to thrive? How did she differ from most of the women around her? Was she happier than the others?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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