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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part 3, The Shadow and the Act, Section 1.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Ellison praise about "Primer for White Folks?"
(a) Short and to the point.
(b) Realistic and therefore does not contain much hope.
(c) Easy to read and young children will like it.
(d) The search for images of black and white fraternity.

2. Other white cultures have black face type entertainment, but what is different about American black face?
(a) The American history of slavery makes it a "ritual of exorcism."
(b) American black face is always light and fun.
(c) American black face is performed by Negro actors only.
(d) The American history of inclusive entertainment makes it acceptable.

3. What is Ellison reading when he begins writing "Invisible Man?"
(a) "Native Son" by Richard Wright.
(b) "The Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad.
(c) "The Hero" by Lord Raglan.
(d) "The Problem of Leadership" by Rod Mitchell

4. As a child what is Wright unable to distinguish between?
(a) When to be quiet and when to speak.
(b) Right and Wrong.
(c) His fair-skinned grandmother and the white women of the town.
(d) Day and night.

5. What type of jug does Ellison say Howe imagines Negro people to be in?
(a) Heavy jug that takes two men to lift it.
(b) Steel jug waiting for a black messiah to come and blow off the cork.
(c) Jug of beer in which they are drowning.
(d) Empty jug with no way out.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Huckleberry Finn recognize about the Negro character, Jim?

2. What street is Minton's on?

3. For Ellison a primary difference between Twain and Hemingway is what?

4. Who lives on the left of Ellison?

5. What is dangerous and different about Wright's attitude?

(see the answer key)

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