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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. Whom does Amma consider to be her best friend?

2. After hearing Belinda's story about a man in Ghana, Amma tells her own story about a memory she has from what stage of her life?

3. Belinda recalls that her mother had acted in what way when "the biggest change came" (41)?

4. On the way from the airport to Nana's house, Belinda worries that London may be one big what?

5. From whose perspective is Chapter 6 narrated?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What is Mary's perspective on karma?

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

7. What is the symbolism of the oily rag?

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

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

10. How does Belinda succeed in calming Amma down when she has begun to sob during the visualization exercise?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Trace the characterization arc of Belinda’s character throughout the novel Housegirl. Discuss whether Belinda is a round or flat character and whether Belinda is a static or dynamic character.

Essay Topic 2

What messages does Donkor send about race and culture within the novel and what themes are employed in order to send these messages to the reader?

Essay Topic 3

How do the themes of dissatisfaction and acceptance function within Housegirl and what is Donkor’s message regarding these themes?

(see the answer keys)

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