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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. Who did Oceola receive piano lessons from as she grew up?

3. What happens to the soprano that Mrs. Ellsworth had a complaint about?

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

5. Who did the Oceola's family travel with when Oceola was young?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Describe Oceola Jones.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Art, specifically music, is the center of this short story. All the characters are connected to art in some form, but Mrs. Ellsworth and Oceola both devote their lives to it. What does Mrs. Ellsworth think of art? What kind of belief does she wish to instill in Oceola? How does Oceola view art? What are the differences in the characters' perceptions of art? Make sure you answer each part of the question and use examples from the story to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Symbolism is a device used in many literary pieces, including "The Blues I'm Playing." What symbols are in the story, and what do they mean? Which characters are associated with certain symbols? What do Mrs. Ellsworth and Oceola symbolize? Make sure you answer each question and use examples from the story to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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