Book 1
Why did Stephen Kumalo leave Ndotsheni?
To look for his sister Gertrude, who is sick according to a letter Stephen received
Who do the Jarvises stay with while in Johannesburg?
The Harrisons
What does Kumalo's wife say to Absalom's wife upon meeting her?
"my daughter"
Who is John Harrison?
Arthur Jarvis' activist friend
What were the results of the three natives' trials, each?
Absalom was convicted, Matthew and Pafuri walked.
What family members did Stephen Kumalo have in Johannesburg?
Gertrude, John, and Absalom
For God
How did the village receive Stephen's return?
They were all very enthusiastic and happy to have him back
Who was the little boy who visited Kumalo in Ndotsheni?
Arthur Jarvis' son and James Jarvis' grandson
When was the novel published?
1948
There was a whole chapter of the book dedicated to illustrating an apartheid problem experienced by the natives in Johannesburg. What was the issue?
Lack of affordable housing
From whose perspective is chapter 28, addressing the sentence of Absalom and the other two natives, written?
The judge's
Name at least two of the ways (there are 4 options) Jarvis helped Ndotsheni.
1. He sent milk regularly for the malnourished children
2. He sent an educated young man to help rebuild the agriculture of Ndotsheni
3. He financed the rebuilding of Stephen's church
4. He made plans to build a dam in the village
Who else was on trial with Absalom?
Matthew Kumalo (John's son) and Johannes Pafuri
Name the two members of the Jarvis family who died in this novel.
Arthur and James' wife (Arthur's mother)
Who did Stephen Kumalo stay with while in Johannesburg?
Mrs. Lithebe
What implications do workers going on strike in South Africa bring?
If the miners go on strike, the entire economy of South Africa is in danger of falling apart because it is such a principle industry there
Who is this refering to: "When you go, something bright will go out of Ndotsheni"?
Jarvis' grandson/Arthur's son
How was John and Stephen's relationship?
They loved each other as brothers but differed so much in morals and beliefs that it was hard for them to interact completely peacefully
To become a nun
Explain the quote "Once such a thing is opened, it cannot be shut again."
You cannot forget or ignore the thing you have already acknowledged/read/seen.
Where did James Jarvis shake the hands of a black person for the first time?
At Arthur's funeral
Why did the Bishop want Stephen to leave Ndotsheni?
Because Absalom killed Jarvis' son and had a child out of wedlock, which are shameful acts. Plus, Jarvis is now a beneficiary to the village, so the Bishop did not feel it appropriate for Stephen to be so close
Which American president was Arthur Jarvis a fan of?
Abraham Lincoln
What natural disaster is occurring in Ndotsheni upon Stephen's return?
What is the idea after this quote, "Cry, the beloved country, for the unborn child that is the inheritor of our fear"?
It is a lament telling the country to grieve because there is so much fear, disorder, and oppression in the nation that the natives will never experience true freedom.
What were Arthur Jarvis' last written words?
"Allow me a minute..."
What does "the boy" represent in his attempt to learn Zulu?
That there may be hope for a better understanding between the white people and the natives in the next generation.
What does Absalom want to name his son? Why?
Peter
He is the founder of the church; Peter may be a rock of hope for the new generation.
How does Msimangu decide to retire?
He announced at a party at Mrs. Lithebe's before Stephen left Johannesburg that he was going to a monastery
Explain what Msimangu means by this quote...
"The tragedy is not that things are broken. The tragedy is that they are not mended again."
Every community goes through division and personal struggles, but when they refuse to rebuild and come back together or attempt to mend their differences, everyone suffers.
Explain what happened when James Jarvis and Stephen Kumalo spoke.
At first, Jarvis does not realize it was Stephen's son who killed his own, but then, when he does, Jarvis takes a short walk and then comes back and says there is no anger in him. Then they discuss their grief.
Why does Msimangu tell Stephen Kumalo that they should thank God that John Kumalo is corrupt?
His motives are so selfish (he has been corrupted by his "own voice") and he can only see the money, not the big picture; therefore, he cannot gain more power.
Whose house was James Jarvis at when he first meets Stephen Kumalo?
His favourite niece, Barbara Smith
What had Arthur Jarvis written that caused his father to become “sick at heart”?
"I am moved by something that is not my own, that moves me to do what is right, at whatever the cost may be.”