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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 is the ethnicity of the person Oceola receives piano lessons from?

2. Where did Oceola's family settle after traveling?

3. What does Mrs. Ellsworth rely on to choose protegees?

4. What did Oceola do in college?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Oceola find in Paris?

2. Describe the soprano that Mrs. Ellsworth does not take interest in.

3. Describe Pete Williams.

4. What does Mrs. Ellsworth reply when Oceola sings, "I'd go up on de mountain/And call my baby back" at the end of the story?

5. What did Oceola's mother do when they moved to St. Louis?

6. How does Oceola react to Mrs. Ellsworth's generosity?

7. What does Mrs. Ellsworth do after Oceola's response to her suggestion?

8. What news does Oceola have for Mrs. Ellsworth when she comes back from a trip?

9. What does Oceola continue to do that Mrs. Ellsworth does not approve of?

10. What does Mrs. Ellsworth announce to Oceola after their first meeting?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mrs. Ellsworth is fascinated with Oceola; she wants to be needed by her, and she wants to know everything about her. Why is this unusual? Why do you think Mrs. Ellsworth is fascinated with Oceola? What does Oceola represent for her? Make sure you answer all questions, using examples from the story to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

"Write what you know" is an old saying that Langston Hughes seems to have followed. His personal background is reflected in "The Blues I'm Playing" in different ways. How does his background influence "The Blues I'm Playing"? What kind of message do you think he relays through this short story, and does it reflect his own ideas? Make sure you answer each question and use examples from the story to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Music is the thread that weaves this story together. Mrs. Ellsworth prefers classical music to jazz and the blues. Oceola plays what she feels because music is something that is woven into her life, not compartmentalized the way Mrs. Ellsworth sees it. What do the blues and jazz mean to Oceola? What do they mean to Mrs. Ellsworth? Describe how Mrs. Ellsworth and Oceola differ in their views on how music should play a role in their lives. Make sure you answer each question and use examples from the story to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 606 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample