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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. About whom does Mary give Belinda advice within their first correspondence after parting from one another?

2. When Mary is able to finally pit an avocado with only her knife, she suggests that she and Belinda go to what location to celebrate?

3. From whose perspective is Chapter 9 narrated?

4. From whose perspective is Chapter 12 narrated?

5. Belinda is surprised by which aspect of the photos she sees in Amma's bedroom?

Short Essay Questions

1. What negative aspects of Mary's presence seem to affect Belinda?

2. What are the positive aspects that Belinda will miss about Mary?

3. What is the symbolism of the oily rag?

4. Describe Donkor's use of allusion within Chapter 9.

5. For what reason does Nana bring Belinda to a shopping district in London?

6. What is the main source of Belinda's anxiety during the shopping trip on which Nana takes her?

7. What sort of coping mechanism does Belinda suggest as a remedy for Mary's unhappiness?

8. What contrast does Belinda see between Amma's appearance and her scent?

9. What change in narrative perspective occurs at the start of Chapter 6?

10. What part of Amma's privilege frustrates her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the interplay between the resolution of Housegirl and one of the novel's main messages. How does Donkor make connections between these elements and how does their juxtaposition help them get across one main message of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Could Housegirl be classified as a coming-of-age story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Look carefully at the passages of Housegirl that describe the close relationship between Belinda and Mary. What is Donkor’s purpose for discussing at length the nature of the connection between Mary and Belinda? How does Mary’s death play into this purpose in both the prologue and final chapter of the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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