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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Ellison's primary struggle in writing the book was
(a) Accepting the concept that nothing could really be done to change society
(b) Giving the hero sufficient depth of character
(c) Allowing the hero to fail
(d) Finding a way for the hero to succeed.

2. In addition to his memories, what else has the narrator lost?
(a) his cash
(b) his fear
(c) his strength
(d) his motivation

3. Of what does the vet accuse Mr. Norton?
(a) Of treating the blacks unfairly
(b) Of treating the blacks like impersonal conquests
(c) Of failing to accomplish his mission for the college
(d) Of practicing racial prejudice

4. What does the narrator fear is the reason for his inability to get an appointment with the trustees?
(a) He thinks no one is seeing the letters he submitted.
(b) He fears a conspiracy.
(c) He thinks the secretaries are not telling him the truth.
(d) He fears there may not be any jobs after all.

5. How does the narrator describe the students as they enter the chapel?
(a) They enter with dread and hesitation.
(b) They enter the chapel joyfully.
(c) They enter with the love a captured people has for their conquerors.
(d) They enter the chapel with resentment and fear.

Short Answer Questions

1. The dark tunnel is symbolic of the narrator's

2. What kind of speeches has the narrator given from the stage in the chapel?

3. When the narrator goes to see Mr. Emerson, who does he actually see?

4. According to Ellison, which of the following is true during times of war?

5. The main conflict of Ellison's original story revolves around

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the narrator say he is invisible?

2. What does Ellison mean when he says that for African Americans, all wars are "wars within wars."

3. Why is Harlem a particularly appropriate setting for the novel?

4. Why does the drug store have the pork chop and grits special?

5. What does Ellison mean by "benign neglect"?

6. How has the narrator ended up in the factory hospital? How is he being treated once he gets there?

7. Describe Dr. Bledsoe.

8. How does the setting in chapter 5 provide additional foreshadowing?

9. Explain the irony of the sign "Keep American Pure with Liberty Paints."

10. Why is important to know that the introduction was written 30 years after the novel itself?

(see the answer keys)

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