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

2. Chapter 13 begins how far ahead of the Ghanafoo celebration?

3. Amma sees Belinda as someone who is "happy to be" (105) what?

4. In Chapter 6, Amma thinks about the fact that she had spent the whole party the night before inside of what room?

5. About what element of London does Dr. Otuo complain on Belinda's first night in his home?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Amma and in what ways does she act as a foil to Belinda?

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

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

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

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

6. What is the symbolism of the oily rag?

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

8. What sort of coping mechanism does Belinda herself long to use after she is "attacked" (80) with Amma's teddy bear?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topic 3

How is the topic of homophobia treated within Housegirl and how does its treatment relate to the novel's depicted messages?

(see the answer keys)

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