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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 6, the author says, "The fiction of the facts assumes innocence, ignorance, lack of intention" and what else?

2. In Chapter 5, the author writes of a "Blue ceiling calling a body into the midst of" what?

3. In the poetic section titled "Stop-and-Frisk" in Chapter 6, the author writes that "the charge the officer decided on was exhibition of" what?

4. What is the narrator instructed to do after being fingerprinted and stripped in "Stop-and-Frisk" in Chapter 6?

5. Who is cited as saying that "skin color cannot be more important than the human being" in Chapter 6?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author describe the past in Chapter 5?

2. What theme is explored when the narrator describes her experience in the drug store in Chapter 5?

3. How does the author describe the effects of Hurricane Katrina in Chapter 6?

4. What does the author say regarding questions and answers in Chapter 6?

5. How does the narrator describe overcoming her inner struggle in the conclusion of Chapter 5?

6. How is the theme of being forgotten explored in Chapter 6?

7. How does the author compare the Rodney King beating and the death of Mark Duggan in Chapter 6?

8. What scenario does the author describe while waiting at a bar of a restaurant in Chapter 5?

9. What does Hurricane Katrina symbolize for the author?

10. What are some examples of imagery (simile, metaphor, etc.) in Chapter 5?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the symbolism of words and language in Citizen: An American Lyric. What does the author compare words to? What power do words and language have? How can words and language hurt?

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

Discuss the theme of anger in Citizen: An American Lyric. What is "saleable anger" and how is it employed? What statements does the author make regarding anger? Is anger a positive or negative aspect? Why?

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