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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 crime has Dike been accused of committing in Chapter 39?

2. Where does Ifemelu take Dike for his birthday in Chapter 43?

3. Where is Boubacar from?

4. Where does Ranyinudo say guys buy houses after they've committed fraud in America and England in Chapter 44?

5. Where does Aunty Onenu live?

Short Essay Questions

1. What ideas are addressed regarding African immigration at Emenike's dinner party?

2. How does Emenike respond when Obinze requests to see him in London? Why?

3. How are Ranyinudo's perceptions of gender roles demonstrated in Part 7?

4. Why does Ifemelu argue with the Haitian woman in Chapter 31?

5. What is foreshadowed through Obinze's and Ifemelu's correspondence in Chapter 42?

6. How is Obinze affected by his conversation with the woman at the bookstore in Chapter 27?

7. What connection does Ifemelu reach with Aisha in Chapter 41? What does this foreshadow?

8. What foreshadowing can be seen in Ifemelu's relationship with Blaine in Chapter 36?

9. How is the theme of identity connected to Ifelemu's relationship with Blaine?

10. How are Obinze's emotions revealed through his actions in Chapter 42?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss hair as a metaphor and symbol in Americanah. What does Ifemelu’s hair mean to her? How is the protagonist’s hair reflective of the changes that she undergoes in the narrative? Where does this symbol originate for Ifemelu? How does she emerge as an individual through her discussions of African hair?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Ifemelu’s relationships with Curt and with Blaine in the novel. How does each of these men treat Ifemelu? What are the backgrounds and circumstances of Curt and Blaine? How do these differ? Why do Ifemelu’s relationships with each of these men ultimately come to an end?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the themes of isolation and conformity. How do Ifemelu and other Nigerian immigrants go about assimilating into American culture in the narrative? What do you think they lose along the way toward conformity? How is Ifemelu affected by her assimilation into American culture?

(see the answer keys)

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