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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Blaine live when he and Ifemelu become lovers?

2. What is the title of the blog post that concludes Chapter 35?

3. For how long do Ifemelu and Dike go away for his birthday in Chapter 43?

4. What reason does Ifemelu give Ginika for having broken up with Curt in Chapter 31?

5. What is Ifemelu's response when she is asked what she thinks of Obama at the party in Chapter 36?

Short Essay Questions

1. What ideas are addressed regarding African immigration at Emenike's dinner party?

2. How is Obinze affected by his conversation with the woman at the bookstore in Chapter 27?

3. What history do Obinze and Emenike have? What connects these characters?

4. What does the bookstore symbolize in Chapter 27?

5. How would you describe Ifemelu's employer and boss at Zoe magazine?

6. What is the root of Ifemelu's discomfort around Paula in the narrative?

7. What foreshadowing can be seen in Ifemelu's relationship with Blaine in Chapter 36?

8. How has Aunty Uju's life changed in Chapter 32?

9. How are Obinze's emotions revealed through his actions in Chapter 42?

10. What is symbolized by Ifemely's invitation for Dike to visit her in Nigeria?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss gender roles and expectations in Nigeria and America. How do perceptions of women and men differ in America from in Nigeria? How are these perceptions illustrated through Ifemelu’s experiences in each country? Discuss examples of relationships between men and women in the novel and how these relationships are shaped by the culture and history where they develop.

Essay Topic 2

Describe and analyze the character of Shan in the novel. How is Shan similar to and different from Ifemelu? What are Ifemelu’s first impressions of Shan? How does their relationship develop in the course of the novel?

Essay Topic 3

What leads up to Dike’s suicide attempt? How does Ifemelu perceive Dike’s suicide attempt and the causes behind it? Do you agree with Ifemelu’s observations? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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