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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Fire is finally published at the end of the summer, how is it received?
(a) With mixed reviews.
(b) With positive reviews.
(c) With hostile reviews.
(d) With negative reviews.

2. For how long does "Don't You Want to Be Free?" run?
(a) One hundred and thirty-five consecutive performances.
(b) One hundred and fifteen consecutive performances.
(c) Nintey-five consecutive performances.
(d) Two hundred and twenty-five consecutive performances.

3. In the spring of 1937 for whom does Hughes travel to Spain as a correspondent?
(a) The Crisis, a New York based publication.
(b) Time, a New York based publication.
(c) The African American, a Baltimore based publication.
(d) The Baltimore, a Baltimore based publication.

4. The result of Hughes' time spent writing in this place is what?
(a) A book of poetry.
(b) A play.
(c) An autobiography.
(d) A book of short stories.

5. How do Langston's plays become more socially relevant?
(a) As he begins to write about current events.
(b) As he begins to write historical pieces.
(c) As he begins to protest the war.
(d) As he begins to write about the African American situation.

6. What does Hughes do before leaving for Paris?
(a) He fills out his will.
(b) He says goodbye to his familly.
(c) He visits the South one last time.
(d) He writes an article about preparing to leave.

7. What is significant about Jesse B. Simple?
(a) He is a simple man, like many people.
(b) His poem is the most published of all African American writings.
(c) He is very influential in Langston's life.
(d) It is the longest running and perhaps greatest influence on the black community.

8. What happens when Hughes wakes the next morning?
(a) His father calls him.
(b) He receives a telgram saying his father is dead.
(c) His father is ill.
(d) He receives a letter from his mother saying his father is dead.

9. What happens to the musical revue for which Langston works as a song lyricist?
(a) It has a small amount of success.
(b) It is never seen.
(c) It is very successful.
(d) It closes after only one performance.

10. Why are his readings canceled?
(a) Due to public outbursts.
(b) There is no place large enough hold the crowds that want to meet him.
(c) They are afraid of him.
(d) No one wants to hear him speak.

11. After they return to New York City, what does Langston begin planning?
(a) A poetry-reading tour.
(b) A trip to Paris.
(c) Another job on a ship.
(d) A tour in Asia.

12. Why does Hughes ask for a loan from Knopf, his publisher?
(a) For the completion of his poems about Spain.
(b) For the completion of a book of short stories.
(c) For the completion of a book of poems.
(d) For the completion of his autobiography.

13. What does Langston receive for "Not Without Laughter?"
(a) A four hundred dollar prize.
(b) A four thousand dollar prize.
(c) A one hundred dollar prize.
(d) A one thousand dollar prize.

14. How does Hughes become involved with anti-war campaigns?
(a) Writing and handing out pamphlets to the public.
(b) Speaking to people at rallies.
(c) Writing advertisements for billboards.
(d) Advertisements for the radio.

15. Where does Noel Sullivan, an old friend of Hughes', put him up?
(a) In a townhouse in San Francisco.
(b) In a cottage in Carmel, California.
(c) In a villa in Spain.
(d) In an apartment in Manhattan.

Short Answer Questions

1. In how many books does Simple appear?

2. To whom is "Tomorrow's Seed" dedicated?

3. When do Langston and his friend set off for the South?

4. Where does Langston stay the following summer in order to complete his first novel?

5. How does Langston decide to use his pay from the film?

(see the answer keys)

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