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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. Who does Marcus compare Phillips to in the beginning of "Harmonica Frank - 1951"?

2. Who wrote: "You run without moving from a terror in which you cannot believe"?

3. In "The Band," what problem does Marcus reveal about The Band's sense of community?

4. Who said "If I could find a white man who had the Negro sound and the Negro feel . . . I could make a billion dollars"?

5. Who did Marcus speak with while in Woodstock to interview Robbie Robertson?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Marcus in "Harmonica Frank -1951," why would Lyndon Johnson and Harmonica Frank get along?

2. In "The Band," what is significant about a group according to Marcus in "Crossing the Border"?

3. In the prologue, what four artists does Marcus say he will write about and why these performers?

4. In "Robert Johnson -1938," what common theme does Robert Johnson's music have with music by Eric Clapton?

5. According to Marcus in "The Band," why is the story of Virgil Cane in "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" appealing to all Americans?

6. Compare and contrast Ahab and Huck using Marcus' descriptions from "Harmonica Frank - 1951." How are they different? How are they similar?

7. According to Marcus in "The Band," who is the storyteller in Big Pink and what is his story?

8. According to Marcus in "The Band," how are Harmonica Frank and Robert Johnson relevant to The Band?

9. In "The Band," what happens when the Band plays in San Francisco after releasing their first two albums?

10. What is the relationship between the rock 'n' roll artist and audience according to Greil Marcus in the prologue?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Freedom is an American theme explored in rock 'n' roll. Choose one artist and using their lyrics identify their concept of freedom (or the lack of it). Does the artist's music reflect the American idea of freedom?

Essay Topic 2

The Fall of Man Motif is about a man (or woman, but typically a man) who has everything he needs, but is so trapped by his desires that it is his undoing. Finally the man loses his home and or his soul. Several of the figures described by Greil Marcus in Mystery Train match this description. In an essay discuss two to three figures, their rise, their desire, and their undoing. Why does Marcus choose to discuss figures who go through this process? Is redemption possible?

Essay Topic 3

Marcus stakes a claim that Elvis Presley is one of a kind and could not be easily replaced. What is unique about Elvis Presley? How does he succeed where other failed? Why is Elvis able to stay at the top when other more seasoned artists fall off the charts and out of mind after getting their break?

(see the answer keys)

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