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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 does Langston learn at this community center?

2. What does Langston's father say about American blacks and Mexicans?

3. One day when Langston and a white friend go to a cafeteria for lunch, how much does his friend's meal cost?

4. By whom is Langston greatly influenced?

5. After another separation with his stepfather, what does Hughes' mother do?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Langston feel about attending church with the Reeds?

2. How is Langston affected by his father's attitude?

3. What is Langston's job on the S.S. West Hesseltine?

4. What happens when Langston returns to New York?

5. How do Langston and his father get into an argument?

6. Describe Hughes' family history.

7. How is Langston treated in Africa?

8. Why does Langston return to Mexico for the summer?

9. What does Langston do, now that he has become interested in social issues?

10. What takes place during Langston's senior year?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hughes does not want to climb the social ladder.

Part 1) Why does he not want to climb the social ladder?

Part 2) Is he trying to help others climb the social ladder? Why or why not?

Part 3) Has Hughes climbed the social ladder, even though it is something he does not want? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

A theme found in much of Hughes' work is the optimism of humor.

Part 1) How is this a theme?

Part 2) How is humor optimistic? What does this reveal about Hughes?

Part 3) How might this theme draw readers to Hughes' work?

Essay Topic 3

Hughes has a strong work ethic.

Part 1) How is this revealed early in his life? How does he come about this work ethic?

Part 2) How does this affect his art?

Part 3) Would he have been as successful without this curiosity and interest in the world? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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