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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. Which two characters are introduced first?

2. How does Oceola feel about Mrs. Ellsworth's offer?

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

4. What did Oceola do in college?

5. Why does Mrs. Ellsworth want to provide specific things for Oceola?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Oceola find in Paris?

2. What does Mrs. Ellsworth think about Oceola's situation with the boarder?

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

4. How does Mrs. Ellsworth feel about her decision on the soprano later on?

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

6. What does Mrs. Ellsworth do that is considered inappropriate behavior during her first meeting with Oceola?

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

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

9. What did Oceola's parents do for a living?

10. What does Mrs. Ellsworth find fascinating during her time with Oceola in Section 2 of the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Marriage is usually a very happy occasion, but Mrs. Ellsworth reacts unhappily to news of Oceola's engagement. There are various reasons that could explain why she is so unsupportive of the engagement. List some of those reasons, and explain why. Why does Mrs. Ellsworth think Oceola's career will be over once married? What did marriage mean to Mrs. Ellsworth in her own life? Make sure you answer all questions using examples from the story to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

In "The Blues I'm Playing," there are two main characters who have very different outlooks on life, even though they both cherish the same art. Their different motivations drive their actions. What motivates Mrs. Ellsworth's actions? What motivates Oceola's actions? How do their different outlooks on music affect their motivations? 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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