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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. How does Oceola receive Mrs. Ellsworth's help?

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

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

4. What is the ethnicity of the person Oceola receives piano lessons from?

5. Who sets up the appointment for Oceola to meet Mrs. Ellsworth?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Oceola spend her days while she is under Mrs. Ellsworth's care?

2. Why does Mrs. Ellsworth think Oceola is a victim?

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

4. Why does Mrs. Ellsworth decide to do these things for Oceola?

5. What does Mrs. Ellsworth want Oceola to do in the beginning of the story?

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

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

8. What information causes Mrs. Ellsworth to become disgruntled after her investigation into Oceola's boarder?

9. How does Mrs. Ellsworth react to Oceola's news at the end of Section 4 of the story?

10. What does Mrs. Ellsworth say to Oceola concerning Pete at the end of "The Blues I'm Playing"?

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

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 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 636 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample