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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is ironic about rock 'n' roll and democracy?
(a) Neither works in a specific way.
(b) They demand work and play.
(c) Each asks people to be something better than they are.
(d) They are both individual and a community.

2. According to Marcus, what problem does the storyteller of Stage Fright face?
(a) He has lost his love.
(b) No one helps him when he reaches out.
(c) He cannot find home.
(d) He resents his success.

3. What album does Marcus say belongs to Richard Manuel in "The Band?
(a) Moondog Matinee.
(b) Dixie.
(c) Share Your Love.
(d) The Weight.

4. According to the critics Marcus references in "The Band," who was Robbie Robertson's "foil"?
(a) The audience.
(b) Robert Manuel.
(c) The Band.
(d) The manager.

5. According to Marcus in "The Band," what message did The Band originally try to get across?
(a) America is a disappointment.
(b) America has possibilities no one has seen yet.
(c) Beauty can come from terror.
(d) You cannot win when everything is against you.

6. In the section "Even Stranger Blues," to what does Marcus compare Robbie's guitar sound?
(a) Chuck Berry's performance at the Grand.
(b) A car screeching to a halt.
(c) Jim Brown's performance in The Dirty Dozen.
(d) Cats on the fence.

7. According to Marcus in "Harmonica Frank -1951," whose music caught the spirit and sound of Harmonica Frank and made it popular?
(a) Sam Phillips.
(b) Elvis Presley.
(c) Bob Dylan.
(d) Little Richard.

8. From what song does Marcus quote to introduce the chapter "Robert Johnson -1938"?
(a) "Love in Vain."
(b) "Rip It Up."
(c) "Me and the Devil Blues."
(d) "All Shook Up."

9. What song does Marcus claim is Robert Johnson's most terrifying song?
(a) "Walking Blues."
(b) "Stones in My Passway."
(c) "Me and the Devil Blues."
(d) "Come on in My Kitchen."

10. What is the last number on The Band album?
(a) "Crossing the Great Divide."
(b) "Whispering Pines."
(c) "King Harvest."
(d) "Dixie."

11. Who is the main character in the song "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"?
(a) Robbie Robertson.
(b) Robert Levon.
(c) Robert E. Lee.
(d) Virgil Kane.

12. According to Marcus in "Harmonica Frank -1951," what do both Ahab and Huck have in common?
(a) They are after a dream that is not real.
(b) They go on adventures for the sake of adventure.
(c) They try to escape restraints and authority.
(d) They have aunts who try to civilize them.

13. According to Marcus in "Robert Johnson -1938," what gives music "mythical authority"?
(a) When the music tells a story.
(b) When the songs attract fans.
(c) When the music reflects life.
(d) When the singer uses a deeper tenor.

14. Why does Marcus believe it is important to study the stories of some performers even if the book does not encompass everything?
(a) The story matters.
(b) It is fun.
(c) It is a glimpse of the future.
(d) The truth needs to be told.

15. From what feeling does Robert Johnson pull his images?
(a) Desolation.
(b) Fear.
(c) Anger.
(d) Hope.

Short Answer Questions

1. What song of Elvis Presley's is mentioned as having the "young hold on freedom" and a "touch of fear" reminiscent to Robert Johnson's?

2. In the Prologue, Marcus says that the music he will discuss dramatizes what?

3. What image does The Band use that shows both division and unity?

4. The song "We Can Talk About It Now" creates what kind of image?

5. Who did Marcus speak with while in Woodstock to interview Robbie Robertson?

(see the answer keys)

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