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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. When Belinda is home sick with Amma, Belinda worries about falling behind in what arena?

2. Whose story is being narrated when the reader learns of Mary's death?

3. The part of Housegirl entitled Autumn begins in the third week of which month?

4. When Belinda is finished with a household task in Chapter 28, what action does she take before going to fetch Amma?

5. In what location is Belinda when she starts imagining Amma having sex with another young woman?

Short Essay Questions

1. What aspect of Belinda's reaction to the news about Mary causes Amma to cry "hot tears" (223)?

2. What misconceptions does Belinda have about homosexuality?

3. What does Amma believe about the need for love to be public?

4. How does Belinda feel after she tells Amma the truth about her mother's profession?

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

6. For what reason does Nana become brusque and severe with Belinda in the time around the shopping trip to Waitrose?

7. For what reason does Amma instruct Belinda to smear cake icing onto her face?

8. What reasons does Roisin offer for her ghosting of Amma and how do they all connect?

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

10. What is Belinda's reaction to the place to which Amma takes her on their eighth trip home from Abacus College?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the instances of irony within the narrative of Housegirl and analyze Donkor’s purpose for including each instance you discuss.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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