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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 Ginika meet Ifemelu at the bus station in Chapter 12?

2. Who says in Chapter 5 that he doesn’t have a passport now, but his father has promised him one when he goes to America for university?

3. Why does Aunty Uju decide to relax her hair in Chapter 11?

4. What is Obinze's boss called in Chapter 2?

5. Who is Obinze arranged to marry in Chapter 23?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Obinze observe regarding Nigerians with English accents in Part 3?

3. How does Ifemelu perceive the differences between the news in America and Nigeria when she first arrives in the U.S.?

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

5. How are Obinze's and Ifemelu's struggles with employment in their new-found countries similar?

6. Describe Aunty Uju in the narrative. What is Aunty Uju's role in Ifemelu's life?

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

8. What racism has Dike encountered while at summer camp in Part 2? How does this experience affect him?

9. What does Dike know about his family and his history in Part 2? How is this information influential on his character?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Obinze’s relationship with Kosi in the novel. When and where did Obinze and Kosi meet? How does Kosi compare to Ifemelu in demeanor and appearance? In what ways is Obinze dissatisfied in his marriage?

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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