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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Mrs. Ellsworth take Oceola after she sees no change in Oceola's tendencies?

2. Where has Oceola moved at the beginning of Chapter 4?

3. What does Mrs. Ellsworth think of Oceola's marriage?

4. What does Mrs. Ellsworth do at Oceola's home?

5. What kind of response to the letter does Oceola receive?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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