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

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

3. Where did Oceola and her mother move after Oceola attended college?

4. What is Oceola's last name?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What information startles Mrs. Ellsworth during Oceola's personal narration of her life?

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

3. What does Oceola think about Mrs. Ellsworth's attitude at the end of the story?

4. How does Mrs. Ellsworth feel about Pete?

5. What does Mrs. Ellsworth provide Oceola with during the beginning of their artist/patron relationship?

6. Why does Mrs. Ellsworth think that her artist/patron relationship with Oceola cannot be reconciled at the end of the story?

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

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

9. What does Oceola say when Mrs. Ellsworth states, "Art is bigger than love"?

10. How does Mrs. Ellsworth try to get rid of Oceola's penchant for jazz music?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oceola is another main character of "The Blues I'm Playing." Her complex character has different traits in comparison to Mrs. Ellsworth, though they share a passion for music. What is Oceola's personal background? How does her background affect her view on art? How has her background formed the person she is now? Make sure you answer each question and use examples from the story to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Love is a theme that runs through many literary pieces, and it is a prominent theme in "The Blues I'm Playing." The two main characters view love as differently as they view art. What value does Mrs. Ellsworth place on love? Why? What value does Oceola place on love? Why? Compare and contrast the two characters' perceptions of love. Make sure you answer each question and use examples from the story to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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