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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. In Chapter 1, the author begins with the statement, "When you are alone and too tired even to turn on any of your devices, you let yourself linger in" what?

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

3. What does the author claim that moaning elicits in Chapter 4?

4. What does the author's friend say when the author is questioned by the cashier in Chapter 3?

5. In Chapter 3, the author writes, "Someone in the audience asks the man promoting his new book on humor what makes something funny. His answer is what you expect." What is the answer he gives?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What happens in the narrative at the Catholic school in Chapter 1?

3. How does the author describe Serena Williams's performance in the 2009 U.S. Women’s Open in Chapter 2?

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

5. How does the narrator feel about her experiences described in Chapter 1?

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

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

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

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

10. What theme stands out in Chapter 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of identity in Citizen: An American Lyric. How is identity formed? How are African American identities influenced differently than white identities? How does language relate to identity?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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