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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 Ifemelu go in Chapter 1 to have her hair braided?

2. What is Aunty Uju studying to become in America in Chapter 8?

3. Of what Nigerian ethnic group is Ifemelu?

4. Who is the braider's boyfriend that agrees to come to speak to Ifemelu at the shop in Chapter 3?

5. For how long has Aunty Uju been in America in the beginning of Chapter 8?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is "American Tribalism" defined in the narrative?

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

3. What is significant about Ginika's response to Ifemelu regarding the white and black salespeople at the dress shop in Part 2?

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. How are Ifemelu's perceptions of Princeton, New Jersey, described in Chapter 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the title of Americanah. What does this term mean, and who uses it in the narrative? Do you think that Ifemelu is an Americanah? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the character of Dike in the novel. What is Ifemelu’s relationship with Dike like? How does Dike embody the themes of the narrative? How does Dike’s character evolve in the course of the story?

(see the answer keys)

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