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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 did the first trap catch?

2. What had the python eaten?

3. What was the rumor about Lettice's marriage to an older man at 18?

4. What color was Ian's Somali shawl?

5. What were Hereward and the Kikuyu hunting in Chapter 11?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Hereward express a willingness to die in a violent storm?

2. What did the Kikuyu do to preserve memories of the dead?

3. How did Ian justify the brutality of the Abyssinian leaders he encountered before coming to Africa?

4. Why did the Kikuyu distrust hyenas?

5. How did the other Europeans and the Kikuyu feel about the Italian priests at the mission?

6. How did Elspeth view the planned hunt versus the actual hunt?

7. Why were Tilly and Lettice suspicious of Mr. Roos' behavior toward Elspeth?

8. How did Lettice Palmer view Hereward's desperate attempts to impose discipline on his workers?

9. How did the Palmer's house differ from the Huxley's residence?

10. How did the Europeans view the difference between a bribe and a tip?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Elspeth Huxley at one point said that the natives never stole from one another, but did not seem to have any qualms about stealing from the Europeans. Why was this the case? What forces prompted the natives to avoid stealing from one another? How did they seem to view the Europeans and why would they be willing to steal from them? Did they view the Europeans as neighbors and fellow villagers or as something else entirely?

(see the answer keys)

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