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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 Ranyinudo say guys buy houses after they've committed fraud in America and England in Chapter 44?

2. What area is described in Chapter 47 as "the old Lagos, a slice of the past, a temple to the faded splendor of the colonial years"?

3. Where had Tochi lost her job, according to Ranyinudo in Chapter 44?

4. How old does Dike become on his birthday in Chapter 43?

5. Who gives Obinze a suit for his wedding in Chapter 30?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the author employ flashbacks in Chapter 31? How do flashbacks enhance the reader's experience?

2. What ideas are addressed regarding African immigration at Emenike's dinner party?

3. How would you describe Ifemelu's employer and boss at Zoe magazine?

4. How is Obinze affected by his conversation with the woman at the bookstore in Chapter 27?

5. What is symbolized by Ifemely's invitation for Dike to visit her in Nigeria?

6. How are Ranyinudo's perceptions of gender roles demonstrated in Part 7?

7. What aspects of Lagos surprise Ifemelu when she returns in Part 7?

8. How are Obinze's emotions revealed through his actions in Chapter 42?

9. How has Aunty Uju's life changed in Chapter 32?

10. Why does Ifemelu argue with the Haitian woman in Chapter 31?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze Ifemelu’s first impressions of America. How does the United States differ from Ifemelu’s expectations? Upon what were Ifemelu’s expectations based? What differences have the most impact on Ifemelu’s perceptions of America?

Essay Topic 2

Obinze’s relationship with his mother differs greatly from Ifemelu’s relationship with her mother in the novel. Discuss the differences of these relationships. How does Ifemelu relate to Obinze’s mother? What resentments does Ifemelu harbor regarding her own mother? Why does she harbor these resentments?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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