2. Explain your interpretation of the line "You are / Black Lazarus risen from the White Man's grave" from the poem "Libretto for the Republic of Liberia."

3. Why does Tolson suggest in "Epsilon" that a nod of approval is the worst thing for an artist?

4. How does the nickname African-China come about in the poem "African China"?

5. Why does Doctor Nkomo feel that life and art are linked?

6. What role does the Curator play in the Harlem Gallery poems?

7. What does Tolson believe is the greatest gift Africa has to give to its people according to "Libretto for the Republic of Liberia"?

8. Why does the poem "The Idols of the Tribe" open with a quote from Hitler?

9. What is Tolson's opinion of Abraham Lincoln in "Abraham Lincoln of Rock Springs Farm"?

10. How does the narrator define himself in "E.&O.E."?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does description play a role in an author's work? How does the author use description to draw the reader into the poem? What are some examples where the description does not work? Cite two poems and explain how the description helps or hinders the poet's message.

Essay Topic 2

In the poem, "Libretto for the Republic of Liberia," Tolson compares America to the narrator's mother, Liberia to his wife, and Africa to his brother. What does Tolson mean by this comparison?

Essay Topic 3

What role does race play in Tolson's poems? Choose two poems and explain how Tolson demonstrates his opinions on race in these poems. The poems may present similar or conflicting views.

(see the answer keys)

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