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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 Mrs. Ellsworth do for a living?

2. How did the person who recommends Oceola meet her?

3. What did Oceola's mother do for a living?

4. What point of view is the first section of "The Blues I'm Playing" written in?

5. What instrument(s) did Oceola's mother play?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Oceola respond to Mrs. Ellsworth's suggestion about Harlem?

2. How is Oceola brought to Mrs. Ellsworth's attention?

3. What happened the last time Oceola played for Mrs. Ellsworth?

4. Describe Mrs. Ellsworth.

5. Describe the setting of "The Blues I'm Playing."

6. Describe Oceola Jones.

7. What does Mrs. Ellsworth try to get Oceola to do after she finds out information about the boarder?

8. What does Mrs. Ellsworth do while Oceola plays piano for her in the last section of the story?

9. How does Mrs. Ellsworth feel about Pete?

10. What does Mrs. Ellsworth choose to see art as after her experiences with Oceola?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "The Blues I'm Playing," it is not so clear sometimes whether a character is a victim or a heroine, especially in regards to Oceola, where it might depend on perspectives of other characters. What role does Oceola play in the story? Is she a victim or heroine? Why would she be considered a victim by Mrs. Ellsworth? What stereotypes would lead one to this conclusion? Make sure you answer each question and use examples from the story to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

"The Blues I'm Playing" takes place in another time period, and its setting provides an interesting backdrop that adds depth to the story. Describe the time period that this short story takes place in as well as the different places. How does the time period influence the characters? How does each place reflect Oceola or Mrs. Ellsworth? Make sure you answer each part of the question and use examples from the story to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Harlem causes tension in the artist/patron relationship between Mrs. Ellsworth and Oceola. Both characters attach certain meanings to the places they prefer. Mrs. Ellsworth tries many different things to fix this problem, but she does not ever fully succeed in her efforts. Why does Mrs. Ellsworth dislike Oceola's residence in Harlem? How does Mrs. Ellsworth try to remove Oceola from Harlem, and how does Oceola respond to these actions? Make sure you answer each part of the question and use examples from the story to support your answer.

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This section contains 633 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample