Down Second Avenue by Es'kia Mphahlele
- 1. Down Second Avenue by Es'kia Mphahlele is a seminal autobiographical work that intricately chronicles the life of the author, providing profound insights into the socio-political landscape of South Africa during the mid-20th century. The narrative unfolds in the context of apartheid, showcasing not only Mphahlele's personal experiences growing up as a black man in a racially divided society but also the broader struggles and resilience of his community. Through vivid descriptions and poignant reflections, the book navigates themes of identity, displacement, and the quest for dignity, all while highlighting the cultural richness of African life. Mphahlele's eloquent prose captures the nuances of poverty, the impact of systemic racism, and the importance of education and self-discovery. His journey down Second Avenue serves as a metaphor for the broader path of finding one's place in a fractured world, making the work not just a personal memoir but also a vital commentary on the human condition in the face of injustice.
What is the primary genre of 'Down Second Avenue'?
A) Historical fiction
B) Poetry collection
C) Autobiography
D) Science fiction
- 2. In which South African township did Mphahlele spend a significant part of his childhood?
A) Alexandra
B) Soweto
C) Khayelitsha
D) Marabastad
- 3. What major South African policy of racial segregation forms the backdrop of the book?
A) Apartheid
B) The Union of South Africa
C) The Great Trek
D) Colonialism
- 4. Why was Mphahlele forced to leave his teaching job at Orlando High School?
A) The school was shut down
B) He protested the Bantu Education Act
C) He accepted a job overseas
D) He was fired for incompetence
- 5. Which country did Mphahlele go to for his first period of exile?
A) United Kingdom
B) Nigeria
C) United States
D) Zambia
- 6. What is the name of the influential black magazine Mphahlele worked for?
A) Bona
B) Drum
C) Zonk!
D) Time
- 7. What is a central theme explored throughout the autobiography?
A) Religious conversion
B) The benefits of colonialism
C) The struggle for human dignity
D) Technological advancement
- 8. Mphahlele eventually earned a PhD from which university?
A) University of Cape Town
B) Harvard University
C) University of Denver
D) University of the Witwatersrand
- 9. What was the original language of publication for 'Down Second Avenue'?
A) English
B) Afrikaans
C) Sesotho
D) Zulu
- 10. Mphahlele's writing is often associated with which literary movement?
A) Dadaism
B) Surrealism
C) African humanism
D) Romanticism
- 11. Besides writer, what was Mphahlele's primary profession?
A) Doctor
B) Engineer
C) Teacher/Educator
D) Lawyer
- 12. What year was 'Down Second Avenue' first published?
A) 1967
B) 1976
C) 1959
D) 1948
- 13. After years in exile, Mphahlele returned to South Africa in what decade?
A) 1970s
B) 1950s
C) 1990s
D) 1980s
- 14. How does Mphahlele primarily portray the resilience of black South Africans?
A) Through military victories
B) Through political power
C) Through community and family life
D) Through economic wealth
- 15. What role does education play in Mphahlele's narrative?
A) A path to liberation and identity
B) An unimportant aspect of life
C) A source of great wealth
D) A simple requirement for jobs
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