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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. After crossing into the country, why is Langston denied a sleeping car on the train?

2. Who is Hughes' only friend in Africa?

3. After a while, when Langston stops going to classes, in what does he become more interested?

4. What does Langston do with the money the hotel pays him?

5. In what community center does Langston become involved?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Langston's mother performs at church?

2. How is Langston reunited with his father?

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

4. How does Langston end up meeting the editors of The Crisis?

5. How is Langston affected by racism at this point in his life?

6. What jobs does Langston have while living with the Reeds?

7. In what literature is Langston interested at this time?

8. What happens to Langston when he goes to a cafeteria with a white friend?

9. What does Langston do after dropping out of Columbia?

10. How is Langston, again, affected by racism, on his train ride home from Mexico?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Langston travels to Asia.

Part 1) How is he able to travel here? Why does he want to go to Asia?

Part 2) Describe his Asian travels. How is he affected by these travels?

Part 3) How do Langston's travels in Asia influence those with whom he meets? Use the text to support your response.

Essay Topic 3

Hughes is accepted into Columbia University.

Part 1) Describe his experience at Columbia.

Part 2) Why does he drop out? How does his experience at Columbia play a role in his decision to drop out?

Part 3) Is Langston's college experience worthwhile? Why or why not? What purpose does this time at Columbia serve?

(see the answer keys)

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