The Setting Sun and Rolling World

What does the land symbolize in the story?

• A source of constant frustration for both Old Musoni and Nhamo

• The bond between Old Musoni and his family’s traditional way of life

• The opportunities available to Nhamo if he stays

• The inevitable hardships of farming

Answer explanation

The land symbolizes the bond between Old Musoni and his family's traditional way of life, representing their heritage and connection to their roots, rather than just a source of frustration or opportunity.

Why does Nhamo reject the charms from Chiremba?

• He believes that the charms are cursed.

• He thinks his father is trying to control him.

• He sees the charms as representing outdated beliefs and superstitions.

• He wants to prove his independence by relying only on his education.

Answer explanation

Nhamo rejects the charms because he views them as symbols of outdated beliefs and superstitions, which conflict with his desire for modernity and rationality.

How does the setting sun function as a symbol in the story?

• It represents the end of Nhamo's journey.

• It symbolizes the closing of a chapter in both Old Musoni’s and Nhamo’s lives.

• It shows that time is running out for Old Musoni to convince Nhamo to stay.

• It reflects Nhamo’s sense of excitement about starting a new life.

Answer explanation

The setting sun symbolizes the closing of a chapter in both Old Musoni’s and Nhamo’s lives, marking a transition and the end of their shared experiences as Nhamo prepares to embark on a new journey.

What is the significance of Nhamo’s decision to burn the charms after leaving home?

• It shows that he has completely severed ties with his family.

• It reflects his desire to discard any emotional baggage from his past.

Answer explanation

Nhamo's decision to burn the charms signifies his desire to discard any emotional baggage from his past, allowing him to move forward without the weight of previous ties and memories.

How does Old Musoni’s perspective on the world differ from Nhamo’s?

• Old Musoni sees the world as dangerous and unpredictable, while Nhamo views it as full of opportunity.

• Old Musoni believes the world will be kind to Nhamo, while Nhamo is afraid of leaving home.

• Old Musoni thinks the world is too modern, while Nhamo longs for the simplicity of village life.

• Both characters see the world as dangerous but for different reasons.

Answer explanation

Old Musoni views the world as dangerous and unpredictable due to his life experiences, while Nhamo, with a more optimistic outlook, sees it as full of opportunities for growth and adventure, highlighting their contrasting perspectives.

Why does Old Musoni give Nhamo his blessing at the end of the story?

• He believes Nhamo will return soon.

• He wants to make sure Nhamo knows that he has his father’s support.

• He realizes he can no longer prevent Nhamo from making his own choices.

• He sees Nhamo’s decision as an act of rebellion that must be accepted.

Answer explanation

Old Musoni gives Nhamo his blessing because he understands that he cannot control Nhamo's choices any longer. This acceptance signifies his recognition of Nhamo's need for independence.

In what way does Nhamo’s education create conflict between him and his father?

• Nhamo’s education has led him to reject farming as a viable future, which Old Musoni sees as disrespectful.

• Old Musoni is upset because Nhamo’s education was supposed to make him a better farmer.

Answer explanation

Nhamo's education leads him to view farming as unworthy, which Old Musoni interprets as a lack of respect for their traditions. This fundamental difference in values creates conflict between father and son.

How does Nhamo's vision of the future contrast with Old Musoni’s?

• Nhamo is focused on immediate success, while Old Musoni believes in long-term planning.

• Nhamo imagines a future of freedom and opportunity, while Old Musoni foresees only danger and hardship.

• Both see the future as bleak, but Nhamo is determined to face it.

• Nhamo believes in destiny, while Old Musoni believes in hard work.

Answer explanation

Nhamo envisions a future filled with freedom and opportunities, reflecting optimism and hope. In contrast, Old Musoni's perspective is rooted in caution, anticipating danger and hardship, highlighting a stark difference in their outlooks.

What does the “white metal bird” represent in the story?

• A symbol of hope for Nhamo’s success in the world.

• A metaphor for the dangers of the modern world.

• A reference to the technological advancements that Nhamo wants to embrace.

• A sign of bad luck that Old Musoni fears will follow Nhamo.

Answer explanation

The "white metal bird" symbolizes the technological advancements that Nhamo aspires to embrace, reflecting his desire to connect with the modern world and its opportunities.

How does the author use the imagery of the natural world to reflect the characters’ inner conflicts?

• The sun and the earth represent the peace and harmony between Old Musoni and Nhamo.

• The dry land and the setting sun symbolize the tension between Old Musoni’s fears and Nhamo’s ambitions.

• The harsh landscape shows that neither character can survive without the other.

Answer explanation

The imagery of dry land and a setting sun effectively illustrates the conflict between Old Musoni's fears and Nhamo's ambitions, highlighting their contrasting desires and the resulting tension in their relationship.