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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. At whose house is the party where Obinze and Ifemelu meet?

2. What is the subject of Ifemelu's blog post in the end of Chapter 17?

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

4. Of what Nigerian ethnic group is Ifemelu?

5. What is the name of Obinze's wife in Chapter 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. How would you describe Obinze in the beginning of the novel? What objects symbolize Obinze's character?

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

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

4. Discuss the symbolism of Ifelemu's mother's hair in the narrative. What is represented when she cuts her hair?

5. Describe the narrative point of view in Americanah. From what perspective is the story related?

6. How are Obinze's cousin in London and Aunty Uju in America similar in the novel?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Compare and contrast Ifemelu’s relationships with Curt and with Blaine in the novel. How does each of these men treat Ifemelu? What are the backgrounds and circumstances of Curt and Blaine? How do these differ? Why do Ifemelu’s relationships with each of these men ultimately come to an end?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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