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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. What object does Mary own that the narrator finds offensive?
(a) a distorted figurine of a black leader
(b) a figurine of a white leader
(c) a mask used in black rituals
(d) a bank in the shape of a black figurine

2. How does the narrator portray himself at the end of Chapter 22?
(a) As proud and defiant
(b) As determined and bold
(c) As humbled and obedient
(d) As confused and frustrated

3. Why do certain members of the Brotherhood consider that narrator's speech unsatisfactory?
(a) The narrator used science and rationalization instead of real feeling
(b) It was too emotional
(c) It was too cold and general
(d) The logical arguments were faulty

4. Upon the narrator's return to Harlem, he learns which of the following individuals has disappeared from the Brotherhood?
(a) Brother Clifton
(b) Brother Hambro
(c) Brother Westrum
(d) Brother Jack

5. Why is the narrator unable to say much about Clifton?
(a) The Brotherhood had limited his topics
(b) He really didn't know much about him
(c) He had been given too little time for the speech
(d) Too much about Clifton was negative

Short Answer Questions

1. Whose words does the narrator contemplate as proof that he can have two identities and still be successful?

2. What does Brother Tarp give the narrator in Chapter 18?

3. What decision does the narrator accept for the time period that will be needed to clear the charges against him?

4. Where does Brother Jack send the narrator at the end of the meeting?

5. What does the figurine symbolize?

Short Essay Questions

1. Identify several mistakes that the narrator makes in his first assigned speech in Harlem.

2. The narrator says that he has learned that the lack of surprise is a warning. What does he mean?

3. What does Brother Jack really want the narrator to avoid doing?

4. What strikes the narrator as the profound truth about the riot?

5. How does the narrator really feel about the gift of the chain from Brother Tarp?

6. Why does Jack become angry with the man who asks the narrator to sing a "spiritual"?

7. What is meant by "white fever"?

8. What is the narrator's intention in speaking up for the black couple who have been evicted?

9. Explain the initial results of the narrator's strategy of "yessing" them to death.

10. How does Emma's conversation create a sense of foreboding?

(see the answer keys)

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