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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. What quality of Belinda's does Nana say will eventually bring Amma around?

2. In what manner does Amma reply when her mother calls her downstairs to greet her father?

3. Which character does Belinda expect will be waiting for her at the airport in London?

4. In Chapter 7, Mary and Belinda communicate with one another using what method?

5. Nana suggests that Belinda tell Amma to help her get to and from what location each day?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss a striking use of metaphor that occurs in the prologue.

2. What does the kitchen sink symbolize in relation to Mary and Belinda's relationship?

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

4. What element of the burial scene in the prologue most upsets Belinda?

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

6. How does Belinda come to be employed with Aunty and Uncle as a housegirl?

7. What is the symbolism of the oily rag?

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

9. How does the theme of hope enter the narrative when Belinda impresses upon Amma her wish that Amma attend the Ghanafoo?

10. In what way does the sound motif enter the narrative in relation to Belinda's feelings toward Mary?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the function of Mary's character within the novel? Discuss the characterization methods used by Donkor in depicting Mary and include in your discussion the reasons that Donkor portrays Mary in these particular ways.

Essay Topic 2

Explicate the theme of control within Housegirl. What is Donkor’s message regarding control and how do you know?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze Donkor’s focus on the theme of class difference in Housegirl. What message is Donkor sending about wealth, socioeconomic status, and privilege?

(see the answer keys)

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