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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 Obinze work for Roy Snell in Chapter 26?

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

3. What happens to Ifemelu's hair in Chapter 20?

4. Why did Ifemelu's mother cut off her hair?

5. Why is Ifemelu's father fired from his job in Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What discussion emerges in Ifemelu's history class regarding the film Roots in Part 2?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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