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The Bone People by Keri Hulme
Contributed by: Barr
  • 1. The Bone People is a profound novel by Keri Hulme that intricately weaves together the lives of its main characters—Kerewin Holmes, a reclusive artist; Joe, a Māori man with a troubled past; and a boy named Simon who is caught between their worlds. Set against the backdrop of the rugged New Zealand landscape, the story explores themes of isolation, cultural identity, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative is rich with Māori mythology and language, reflecting Hulme's deep appreciation for her heritage. As Kerewin struggles with her own demons and solitude, she gradually becomes entwined with Joe and Simon, leading to moments of both tenderness and violence that challenge the characters to confront their buried traumas. The novel’s nonlinear structure and poetic prose create an immersive reading experience, allowing readers to engage deeply with the characters’ emotional journeys. Ultimately, The Bone People is a celebration of connection and the healing power of love, while also grappling with issues of loss and reconciliation, making it a unique and impactful work in contemporary literature.

    What is the primary setting of 'The Bone People'?
A) United States
B) England
C) New Zealand
D) Australia
  • 2. Who is the main character in 'The Bone People'?
A) Joe
B) Kerewin
C) Hera
D) Simon
  • 3. What does Kerewin do for a living?
A) Writer
B) Engineer
C) Artist
D) Teacher
  • 4. What is the name of the young boy Kerewin becomes close to?
A) Liam
B) Cameron
C) Simon
D) David
  • 5. Which character is Simon's father?
A) Henry
B) Michael
C) Joe
D) George
  • 6. What type of literature is 'The Bone People' categorized as?
A) Poetry
B) Play
C) Short story
D) Novel
  • 7. In what year was 'The Bone People' published?
A) 1990
B) 1984
C) 1987
D) 1979
  • 8. What significant event impacts Simon's life?
A) Winning a competition
B) Abuse
C) Death of a parent
D) Moving to a new city
  • 9. What does Kerewin struggle to connect with?
A) Her friends
B) Her career
C) Her financial situation
D) Her past
  • 10. What does the term 'bone people' refer to in the novel?
A) Cultural heritage
B) Physical strength
C) Material wealth
D) Spiritual connection
  • 11. What award did 'The Bone People' win?
A) Booker Prize
B) Pulitzer Prize
C) National Book Award
D) Nobel Prize
  • 12. How does Kerewin view the concept of home?
A) As a permanent place
B) As a financial obligation
C) As a complex and evolving idea
D) As merely a physical structure
  • 13. What role does language play in the characters' lives?
A) A means of only conflict
B) A minor detail
C) An irrelevant aspect
D) A barrier and a bridge
  • 14. What does Joe struggle with throughout the novel?
A) Depression
B) Illness
C) Financial troubles
D) Alcoholism
  • 15. What is a recurring theme in the novel?
A) Adventure
B) Wealth
C) Technology
D) Isolation
  • 16. What does Kerewin build on her property?
A) A workshop
B) A barn
C) A tower
D) A garden
  • 17. What cultural aspect is heavily featured in the book?
A) American culture
B) Maori culture
C) British culture
D) Australian culture
  • 18. What natural element is symbolic in the novel?
A) The mountains
B) The forest
C) The ocean
D) The desert
  • 19. What genre does 'The Bone People' belong to?
A) Fantasy
B) Science fiction
C) Mystery
D) Literary fiction
  • 20. What part of nature serves as a backdrop for much of the events?
A) The mountains
B) The desert
C) The sea
D) The forest
  • 21. At the end of the novel, Kerewin's perspective shifts towards what?
A) Bitter anger
B) Acceptance
C) Despair
D) Rejection
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