1. When did the gypsies come to stay? 2. Explain why the narrator often heard the ‘faint roar of a lion’ as she fell asleep. 3. The author makes effective use of simile in this prologue. (a) What is a simile? (b) Find an example of simile in the extract. (c) Explain why you fi nd this example effective.
Explore
3 3
1. Do you fi nd the narrator’s home life appealing? Give reasons for your answer.
2. Do you agree that the extract is rich in descriptive detail and imagery? Refer to the extract in your answer.
3. What theme does the author establish in the opening of her novel and how does she achieve this?
Investigate
Use your research skills to fi nd out more about Johannesburg in South Africa under the headings below.
Location Population Landscape Attractions
Create
Choose a novel that you enjoyed and write a prologue for it. Your prologue should provide context for the story that will follow.
