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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. In "Libretto for the Republic of Liberia," who is the narrator's brother?

2. Where do the African warriors go in "The Idols of the Tribe"?

3. Who breaks her leg in "African China"?

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

5. In "Omicron," what is the temperament of the artist?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Tolson believe is the greatest gift Africa has to give to its people according to "Libretto for the Republic of Liberia"?

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

4. In "Pi" it is written that art without limits can climb mountains. What is meant by this?

5. What is the significance of the Harlem Gallery according to Tolson?

6. Why does the poem "The Idols of the Tribe" open with a quote from Hitler?

7. Why does Doctor Nkomo feel that life and art are linked?

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

9. What is the significance of the word tapestries in the poem "Tapestries of Time"?

10. 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."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the poem, "Libretto for the Republic of Liberia," Tolson compares America to the narrator's mother, Liberia to his wife, and Africa to his brother. What does Tolson mean by this comparison?

Essay Topic 2

What impact did Lincoln have on Tolson's life? Choose examples from Tolson's poems that suggest what relationship Tolson had with Lincoln. Why does Tolson hold Lincoln in such high esteem?

Essay Topic 3

How does Tolson use symbolism in the poem "The Gallows"? What is the meaning behind the symbolic element(s) in this poem?

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