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

2. What does Mrs. Ellsworth do for a living?

3. Where did Oceola and her mother move after the death in their family?

4. Why does Oceola receive Mrs. Ellsworth's help in the way that she does?

5. What kind of dresses does Mrs. Ellsworth have her dressmaker come up with?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Mrs. Ellsworth find out more about Oceola's relationship with the boarder in section 3 of the story?

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

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

6. Describe Pete Williams.

7. How did Oceola support herself before she met Mrs. Ellsworth?

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

9. What does Oceola think of the artists she meets in Europe?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"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 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

There are many different themes in "The Blues I'm Playing," and one of them is gossip. How does gossip play a role in "The Blues I'm Playing"? What does Mrs. Ellsworth find out through gossip? How do her findings that stem from gossip influence her decisions? Make sure you answer each question and use examples from the story to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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