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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. Amma cries in Chapter 30 when she witnesses what sight?

2. When Belinda is finished with a household task in Chapter 28, what action does she take before going to fetch Amma?

3. When Roisin and Amma meet up in Chapter 26, how much time has gone by since they communicated last?

4. Who wakes Belinda in Chapter 32 so that she can answer a phone call from London?

5. In Chapter 28, it is made very clear that Belinda believes what to be a choice?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Helena's personality.

2. For what reason are Belinda and Amma stuck together at home for two solid days in Chapter 19?

3. What major plot point occurs within the scene at Starbucks?

4. What misconceptions does Belinda have about homosexuality?

5. What aspect of Belinda's reaction to the news about Mary causes Amma to cry "hot tears" (223)?

6. What habit of Belinda's does Mary point out is still going on, even though Belinda is now in London rather than Duban?

7. What is Belinda's response when Mary asks Belinda to give Amma Mary's regards?

8. What action does Belinda take on the bus that results in Amma's admiration?

9. What is Belinda's reaction to the place to which Amma takes her on their eighth trip home from Abacus College?

10. What event causes Amma to feel a sense of purpose previously unfamiliar to her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What messages does Donkor send about race and culture within the novel and what themes are employed in order to send these messages to the reader?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the interplay between the resolution of Housegirl and one of the novel's main messages. How does Donkor make connections between these elements and how does their juxtaposition help them get across one main message of the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Trace the characterization arc of Amma’s character throughout the novel Housegirl. Discuss whether Amma is a round or flat character and whether Amma is a static or dynamic character.

(see the answer keys)

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