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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 is Oceola's last name?

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

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

4. Who gave Oceola her first lessons in playing piano?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Oceola respond to Mrs. Ellsworth's suggestion about Harlem?

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

3. What does the last chapter of "The Blues I'm Playing" represent?

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

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

6. What does Mrs. Ellsworth think that Oceola needs to do in order to realize her potential?

7. How does Mrs. Ellsworth feel about Pete?

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

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

10. How does Oceola feel about art?

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

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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