On Beauty by Zadie Smith - Test
- 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) Howard Belsey
B) Zora Belsey
C) Kiki Belsey
D) Leah Belsey
- 2. What profession does Howard Belsey have?
A) Art critic
B) Art history professor
C) Master painter
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) Poetic prose.
C) Fantasy fiction.
D) Realism with elements of satire.
- 5. What major event strains Howard and Kiki's marriage?
A) Kiki's health issues
B) Loss of family members
C) Howard's infidelity
D) Financial troubles
- 6. What is Howard’s relationship to his students?
A) It is entirely supportive.
B) It is primarily distant.
C) It is complex and sometimes confrontational.
D) It is strictly professional.
- 7. What familial relationship defines the story's central dynamics?
A) Siblings rivalry
B) Cousins' friendship
C) Grandparent-grandchild bond
D) Parent-child relationships
- 8. Which character is a right-wing antagonist to Howard?
A) Carl Belsey
B) Zora Belsey
C) Leo Belsey
D) Monty Kipps
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