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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 4.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which critics of "Black Boy" does Ellison want to respond to?
(a) Those who believe Wright is exaggerating the truth.
(b) Those who see the book as a miracle and its author a mystery.
(c) Those who believe Wright is self-involved.
(d) Those who believe Wright is a communist.

2. Who lives on the left of Ellison?
(a) Husband and wife who constantly bicker.
(b) Jazz drummer and trumpet player.
(c) Night shift worker who likes Count Bassie.
(d) Large family with several sets of infant twins.

3. How does Ellison define the "understanding of art?"
(a) Depending upon one's willingness to extend one's humanity.
(b) Limited to a very few elite patrons.
(c) Created by the whims of the culture at the time.
(d) It is not to be understood, only felt.

4. Ellison says Hemingway sought technical perfection rather than what?
(a) Moral insight.
(b) Lyrical qualities.
(c) Financial gain.
(d) Fame and notoriety.

5. Who is Richard Wright to Ellison?
(a) Friend for whose magazine he wrote his first book review and short story.
(b) Spiritual father who nurtured and guided Ellison's writing.
(c) Source of Ellison's inspiration and success.
(d) Hero and the mentor of all Ellison's work.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the phrase "beating that boy" mean?

2. Why does Ellison choose to analyze William Falkner?

3. Where is Minton's located?

4. Why does Ellison choose to analyze Mark Twain?

5. What is the occasion of Ellison's speech "Brave Words on a Startling Occasion?"

(see the answer key)

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