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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. Of what Nigerian ethnic group is Ifemelu?

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

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

4. Who is the Nigerian man that Aunty Uju has begun seeing in Chapter 11?

5. Who is the black American man that Ifemelu meets on the train in Chapter 17?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What attracts Ifemelu to becoming a blogger?

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

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

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

6. How is the theme of identity addressed through symbolism in Chapter 1?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Ifemelu’s experiences in America and Obinze’s experiences in England. What struggles does each of these protagonists face in their new countries? What biases and prejudices do they face? How do the experiences of Ifemelu and Obinze differ? Why do their experiences differ?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the nonlinear nature of the narrative in Americanah. What storyline takes place in the present tense? How and why does the author employ flashbacks and flash-forwards in the telling of the story? How do you think the novel would differ if the events of the story were related in a linear timeline?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss Ifemelu’s blog that she creates after returning to Nigeria. What is the name of the blog? What subjects and themes are addressed in the blog? How does this blog differ from the one Ifemelu created in America?

(see the answer keys)

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