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

3. On what date was Mark Duggan murdered?

4. Chapter 6 is described by the author as a script for what?

5. What does the author describe holding in her hand as she leans against the sink in the end of Chapter 5?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Hurricane Katrina symbolize for the author?

4. Why does the author discuss eating cereal in Chapter 5?

5. What is the author referring to when she writes "I was creating a life study of a monumental first person, a Brahmin first person"?

6. What color is explored in Chapter 5? What does this color represent for the author?

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

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

9. How is the theme of the pain of prejudice explored in Chapter 6?

10. What theme is explored when the narrator describes her experience in the drug store 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 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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme and concept of "presence." What does presence mean? How does it apply to race and dealing with racism? What does the author equate presence with? How is presence connected to breath?

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