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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. By what nickname does Ranyinudo call Ifemelu when she returns to Nigeria in Chapter 44?

2. What aspect of Aunty Onenu's home does Ranyinudo say is as big as her entire flat in Chapter 45?

3. How are Blaine's friends described in the narrative?

4. Where is Obinze transferred to a cell where the conditions are deplorable in Chapter 30?

5. What blog title is described in Chapter 42 as "the most personal post [Ifemelu] had written about the black American"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How are the concepts of race and class in England and America compared in the narrative?

6. How is Esther described in the narrative? What other characters in the novel does Esther resemble?

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

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

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

10. What is the root of Ifemelu's discomfort around Paula in the narrative?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Ifemelu’s blog and discuss its subject and themes. What inspires Ifemelu to begin writing a blog? How is Ifemelu’s blog received by the public? What does Ifemelu gain from writing in her blog?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Obinze’s relationship with Kosi in the novel. When and where did Obinze and Kosi meet? How does Kosi compare to Ifemelu in demeanor and appearance? In what ways is Obinze dissatisfied in his marriage?

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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