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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 is Blaine's home located in Chapter 1?

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

3. Where does Aunty Uju live in Chapter 17?

4. What does Jane say the biggest difference is between her home country and America in Chapter 10?

5. What does Aunty Uju complain about Bartholomew regarding in Chapter 17?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 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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