Mrs. Ellsworth is fascinated with Oceola; she wants to be needed by her, and she wants to know everything about her. Why is this unusual? Why do you think Mrs. Ellsworth is fascinated with Oceola? What does Oceola represent for her? Make sure you answer all questions, using examples from the story to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Harlem causes tension in the artist/patron relationship between Mrs. Ellsworth and Oceola. Both characters attach certain meanings to the places they prefer. Mrs. Ellsworth tries many different things to fix this problem, but she does not ever fully succeed in her efforts. Why does Mrs. Ellsworth dislike Oceola's residence in Harlem? How does Mrs. Ellsworth try to remove Oceola from Harlem, and how does Oceola respond to these actions? 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 themes that run through "The Blues I'm Playing," and one of them is irony. Mrs. Ellsworth tries hard to erase Oceola's tendency to improvise jazz music, thinking that this deters her from pure music. What is irony, and how does it play a role in this story? Explore the irony in the fact that Mrs. Ellsworth has many ideas on art but does not play it as well as the fact that Oceola does play, but Mrs. Ellsworth doesn't think she understands it. Make sure you use evidence from the story to support your answer and answer all questions.

(see the answer keys)

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