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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. How many roommates does Ifemelu have at her new apartment in Chapter 12?

2. What does Mariama's customer say Nigerians are known for being in Chapter 18?

3. What is the name of the man that lets Obinze use his NI number to gain work in Chapter 25?

4. Who is the Englishman that Obinze befriends and that shows him around London in Chapter 26?

5. What advice does Obinze give to Ifemelu when her student records become frozen in Chapter 13?

Short Essay Questions

1. What symbolism and themes are explored when Ifemelu cuts off her hair in the narrative?

2. How have both Obinze and Ifemelu been forced to rely on others for help in their experiences abroad?

3. How would you describe Ifemelu's mother's relationship with religion?

4. Who does Obinze work for at a warehouse in London? How is he treated at this job?

5. Why does Ifemelu begin relaxing her hair in Part 2? What effect does it have?

6. How would you describe Ifemelu's character when she is first introduced? What are her circumstances?

7. What influence does Ifemelu's father have on her choices and actions in the narrative?

8. How is the relationship between accent and identity illustrated in Chapter 17?

9. What does Aisha solicit Ifemelu to do in Chapter 1? Why?

10. What do bananas and peanuts symbolize for Ifemelu? How are they perceived by Dike in Part 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the themes of isolation and conformity. How do Ifemelu and other Nigerian immigrants go about assimilating into American culture in the narrative? What do you think they lose along the way toward conformity? How is Ifemelu affected by her assimilation into American culture?

Essay Topic 2

What propels Ifemelu’s decision to return to Nigeria? How do Americans in the narrative respond when they learn that Ifemelu is returning to her home country? Why? How does Ifemelu feel about her decision?

Essay Topic 3

What leads to Ifemelu’s dissatisfaction at working for the magazine Zoe in Lagos? Who are Ifemelu’s coworkers and employer? How does she relate to these characters? What does Ifemelu do after leaving her position?

(see the answer keys)

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