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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Liberia represent in "Libretto for the Republic of Liberia"?
(a) Corruption.
(b) A new Africa.
(c) Freedom.
(d) Hell.

2. In "Tapestries of Time," what do the common people not dream about?
(a) Food.
(b) Wealth.
(c) Cars.
(d) Vacations.

3. Where is Timbuktu?
(a) Peru.
(b) Mali.
(c) Egypt.
(d) South Africa.

4. How does the narrator describe hate in "The Idols of the Tribe"?
(a) Infectious.
(b) Power.
(c) Expensive.
(d) A blessing.

5. Where does the poem "Sigma" take place?
(a) A library.
(b) A zoo.
(c) A funeral home.
(d) A field.

Short Answer Questions

1. How are the parts of the poem "Libretto for the Republic of Liberia" broken up?

2. What is culturally empty compared to Liberia according to "Libretto for the Republic of Liberia"?

3. Who is the narrator's mother in "Libretto for the Republic of Liberia"?

4. In "The Idols of the Tribe," how many points does a road meet at?

5. What religion was celebrated in Timbuktu?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain your interpretation of the line "You are / Black Lazarus risen from the White Man's grave" from the poem "Libretto for the Republic of Liberia."

2. What does the poem "Libretto for the Republic of Liberia" mean when it suggests that America is the narrator's mother and Liberia is his wife.

3. Why does Tolson suggest in "Epsilon" that a nod of approval is the worst thing for an artist?

4. What is the significance of the Curator in Harlem Gallery distinguishing the importance of the word "ex"?

5. Why does Tolson believe that despite the reign of tyrants justice will prevail?

6. How does Tolson address tyranny in the poem "Tapestries of Time"?

7. How does Tolson believe tyrants remain in power?

8. Describe the different Gods Tolson describes in "The Idols of the Tribe."

9. How does the narrator define himself in "E.&O.E."?

10. According to Tolson in the poem "The Idols of the Tribe," who is likely to worship false idols?

(see the answer keys)

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