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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. With whom does Ifemelu go to stay when Blaine stops talking to her in Chapter 38?

2. What magazine does Aunty Onenu compare Zoe to in Chapter 45?

3. Why does Obinze avoid reading English newspapers in Chapter 27?

4. Where does Dike tell Ifemelu she should go in the end of Chapter 43?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How is the motif of accents addressed by Ranyinudo in Part 7?

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

4. What history do Obinze and Emenike have? What connects these characters?

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

6. What issues does Shan describe with her editor and the publication of her book?

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

8. What connection does Ifemelu reach with Aisha in Chapter 41? What does this foreshadow?

9. How does Emenike respond when Obinze requests to see him in London? Why?

10. How is the theme of identity connected to Ifelemu's relationship with Blaine?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the motif of accents or dialects in the novel. What do dialects symbolize to the Nigerians in the narrative? How is dialect perceived differently in America than in England? What are the correlations between class, race, and dialect?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the backdrop of the Obama Presidential campaign in the narrative. How does the campaign influence Ifemelu’s thoughts on race in America? How does the campaign affect Ifemelu’s relationship with Blaine? What does the Obama Presidency signify for the characters in the story?

Essay Topic 3

What propels Ifemelu’s decision to return to Nigeria? How do Americans in the narrative respond when they learn that Ifemelu is returning to her home country? Why? How does Ifemelu feel about her decision?

(see the answer keys)

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