- 1. On Beauty by Zadie Smith is a richly textured novel that explores themes of race, identity, and the complexities of family life against the backdrop of contemporary America and Britain. The narrative centers around Howard Belsey, a British art history professor at a small liberal arts college in Massachusetts, and his wife Kiki, an African American woman who runs a hair salon. Their multicultural family, comprising three children with distinct personalities and aspirations, grapples with the challenges of cultural dislocation and the search for belonging. Smith intricately weaves various perspectives throughout the story, illustrating the clash between Belsey's secular and academic world and the more traditional, religious values embodied by a rival academic, Levi, who is at the center of a romantic and ideological conflict. The novel deftly examines the intersections of beauty, art, and race, as well as the disarray of personal relationships, leaving readers to ponder the nature of love, acceptance, and the complexities of human connection in a divided society. With its vibrant prose and multi-layered characters, On Beauty is both a commentary on the contemporary landscape and a profound reflection on the human experience.
Who is the protagonist in 'On Beauty'?
A) Kiki Belsey
B) Leah Belsey
C) Zora Belsey
D) Howard Belsey
- 2. What profession does Howard Belsey have?
A) Art history professor
B) Master painter
C) Art critic
D) Art curator
- 3. Which character is Howard's wife?
A) Zora Belsey
B) Kiki Belsey
C) Carl Belsey
D) Victoria Belsey
- 4. What literary style is 'On Beauty' written in?
A) Mystery thriller.
B) Realism with elements of satire.
C) Poetic prose.
D) Fantasy fiction.
- 5. What major event strains Howard and Kiki's marriage?
A) Loss of family members
B) Howard's infidelity
C) Kiki's health issues
D) Financial troubles
- 6. What is Howard’s relationship to his students?
A) It is entirely supportive.
B) It is complex and sometimes confrontational.
C) It is primarily distant.
D) It is strictly professional.
- 7. What familial relationship defines the story's central dynamics?
A) Cousins' friendship
B) Siblings rivalry
C) Parent-child relationships
D) Grandparent-grandchild bond
- 8. Which character is a right-wing antagonist to Howard?
A) Monty Kipps
B) Zora Belsey
C) Leo Belsey
D) Carl Belsey
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