Topic 1

Compare and contrast Stephen and Absalom Kumalo’s relationship with James and Arthur Jarvis’. What lessons do the fathers learn from their sons? Are they the same? What does the novel say about the difference between the two generations? What lessons does the novel teach about family? Be sure to support your argument with examples from the text.

Topic 2

Compare John Kumalo’s use of his power to his own disparagement of tribal chief’s power. Do you think John is like a chief? Why or why not? Is he a hypocrite? Be sure to support your argument with examples from the text.

Topic 3

Discuss women’s roles in the society of the novel. Does the treatment of women differ from women’s roles and treatment in today’s society? Is it fair to judge the treatment of women by modern standards? Why or why not...