Essay Questions

What kind of consciousness does Lola experience at Olga’s party?

Lola recognizes that she is from a different race. The party attendees are predominantly white. Lola states, "I was the only Africa, one of the three Blacks." The other two black people in the room are Americans. Lola does not pretend to be white or American because she knows she is black. As a result of the consciousness of her blackness, Lola does not participate in mocking Senegal.

Why does Lola freeze when Len calls her Fatou?

She freezes because the name is a blatant violation of her dignity. She is at the party because she is Olga's friend. Being mistaken for a maid because of her black skin is offensive. If she were "Fatou," she would not have had her degree or the jobs that her education enables her to have. Len is a classist who thinks that only black-skinned women can work as maids.

What type of matrimony does Olga allude to when she suggests that Lola be her husband's mistress?

Olga is endorsing polygamy. Seemingly, she would not mind her husband having Lola as a mistress because such arrangements are permissible in other cultures. Olga says, “In some cultures, it’s done, you know. I mean, Barry is always whooping about your breasts.” Olga is seducing Lola on behalf of her husband. She finds Lola’s body to be attractive. Although Olga is not African, she endorses the practice of polygamy, which is permitted by some communities in Africa.