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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. Chapter 34 begins when what kind of vehicle brings Belinda to Kumasi?

2. Who wakes Belinda in Chapter 32 so that she can answer a phone call from London?

3. What advice does Belinda give to Amma in Chapter 28?

4. What television show do Belinda, Aunty, and Uncle watch together at the end of Chapter 34?

5. What action does one of the young Jamaican women on the bus take when Belinda mentions family?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Belinda's wrist hurting her "during the long week of complete silence between Belinda and Amma" (189)?

2. How does Donkor use foreshadowing within the scene when Amma is waiting for Roisin at Starbucks?

3. What habit of Belinda's does Mary point out is still going on, even though Belinda is now in London rather than Duban?

4. For what reason are Belinda and Amma stuck together at home for two solid days in Chapter 19?

5. What is the significance of Amma's memory of the television show called Brookside?

6. What does Amma's teddy bear symbolize?

7. What is Belinda's response when Mary asks Belinda to give Amma Mary's regards?

8. What event causes Amma to feel a sense of purpose previously unfamiliar to her?

9. What major revelation does Amma make to Belinda?

10. How does Belinda react to the major revelation Amma makes to her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze Donkor’s novel from an Existential perspective. What elements of life does the novel suggest hold the most meaning and with which of its themes do these beliefs dovetail?

Essay Topic 2

Write a critical essay about Housegirl while using the critical power theory lens of Marxist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the novel's treatment of issues such as socioeconomic status, hierarchies, wealth, class, or any other issues related to Marxist theory that can be found in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

What lessons are readers of Housegirl meant to take with them from the reading of the novel and how does Donkor communicate that he wants readers to apply these lessons to their own lives?

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