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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. The author claims in Chapter 1, "A friend argues that Americans battle between the 'historical self' and" what?

2. Who is the researcher that came up with the term "John Henryism"?

3. What is the name of Serena Williams's sister?

4. The author describes Hennessy Youngman in Chapter 2, saying that "He advises black artists to cultivate" what?

5. What does the word "fabricate" mean in Chapter 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. What theme predominates Chapter 2 of Citizen: An American Lyric?

2. What is signified and alluded to by the picture of the Rutgers women's basketball team in Chapter 3?

3. Why is the friend upset about hiring an African American in Chapter 1?

4. What theme stands out in Chapter 3?

5. How does the author illustrate the differences between white and black experiences in Chapter 3?

6. What theme predominates Chapter 1 of Citizen: An American Lyric?

7. How does the narrator respond when called by the wrong name by a woman at work in Chapter 3?

8. Who is Franz Fanon and why does the author cite him in Chapter 2?

9. Who is Hennessy Youngman and what is discussed regarding him in Chapter 2?

10. How is the theme of memory addressed in Chapter 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the scenarios presented by the author in Chapter 1. What are the different "characters" presented by the narrator? What do these characters experience? How do their experiences affect them?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the events surrounding Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. How many people died during this natural tragedy? What prevented the victims from receiving help? How does the author characterize the response to Katrina?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of the pain of prejudice in Citizen: An American Lyric. How does the author develop this theme through symbolism and imagery? How is it developed through the scenarios presented by the author?

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