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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. What does the word "perish" mean in "My Dungeon Shook"?

2. How many times does the author say he has begun his letter and torn it up in "My Dungeon Shook"?

3. When did E. Franklin Frazier help draft the UNESCO statement entitled The Race Question?

4. The author claims in his conclusion of "My Dungeon Shook" that "we can make America" what?

5. What does the word "unassailable" mean in "My Dungeon Shook"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does James Baldwin describe his father's defeat in "My Dungeon Shook"?

2. What does the author remark about love and survival in "My Dungeon Shook"?

3. How does the author describe the temperament and attitudes of the letter recipient in "My Dungeon Shook"?

4. Why does James Baldwin claim to have re-started his letter numerous times in "My Dungeon Shook"?

5. What does the author claim to be the only way you can be destroyed in "My Dungeon Shook"?

6. How does the author rally his nephew in the conclusion of "My Dungeon Shook"?

7. How does the author suggest his nephew perceive the "details and symbols of your life" in "My Dungeon Shook"?

8. How does the author describe his mother in "My Dungeon Shook"?

9. What does the word "Negro" mean, and how is it applied in The Fire Next Time?

10. What does the author say the world has done to his brother in "My Dungeon Shook"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the concepts of "segregation," "integration," and "acceptance" in The Fire Next Time. How does the author define these terms in his essays? What is the importance of integration and acceptance moving forward in striving for equality?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the differences in approach toward equality by Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad. What are the differences in the ideologies of these individuals? How did they propose change? Whose methods were more effective in your opinion? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss Elijah Muhammad and his characterization in "Down at the Cross." When did Elijah Muhammad take over the leadership of the Nation Of Islam? How does the author describe his home and his experiences at dinner with Elijah Muhammad? How does the author compare Elijah Muhammad with his father?

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This section contains 904 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample