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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. What word does the author use in Chapter 5 to mean a thing that blocks one's way?

2. What was considered to be the murder weapon in James Craig Anderson's death?

3. On what dates does the author cite for the section titled "In Memory of Trayvon Martin" in Chapter 6?

4. What does the author describe metaphorically in Chapter 5 as "well-oiled doors opening and closing between intention, gesture"?

5. The author describes the script in Chapter 6 as being comprised of quotes from what television station?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the theme of anger explored in Chapter 6?

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

3. What scenario does the author present when an unnamed man is arrested in Chapter 6?

4. How does the author's language and narrative style change in Chapter 5?

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

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

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

8. What theme is explored by the author in examining the Trayvon Martin case in Chapter 6?

9. What is an example of irony in Chapter 5? How does this example serve the work?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

Define and discuss "affirmative action" and how it is applied in the book. When was affirmative action introduced in the United States? How did it change race relations? How did it impact the quality of life for African Americans?

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