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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who mentions a "heart black with sorrow" in Act II?

2. In Act II, Luke accuses Margaret of treating David like he's how many years old?

3. Who is the first to begin singing in Act II?

4. Who says, "he dying in his sins" during Act II?

5. Who says, "You play piano like I dreamed you would" to David in Act II?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The jazz music that Luke plays is viewed as sinful by Margaret and the church elders. When Margaret invites the Philadelphia church to their Harlem church, she tells church members that they will be bringing drums and a trumpet. These instruments, along with the piano that David plays in the church, are all prominent instruments in jazz. Compare and contrast jazz with the music in the church.

Essay Topic 2

David is presented with a choice, to be religious and work in the church like his mother, or to play music and be sinful like his father. Are these David's only choices in life? Sum up David's dilemma in your own words and explain what you think he should do.

Essay Topic 3

The setting of the play is a church and home that join together. Why do you think the author did this? Was it just to make the scene setting easier as the action shifts from home to play or perhaps did Baldwin mean something more? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 270 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample