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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "Harmonica Frank -1951," who is the "latest Ahab"?
(a) Harmonica Frank.
(b) Bob Dylan.
(c) Lyndon B. Johnson.
(d) Huck Finn.

2. In "The Band," Marcus tells that groups are images of what?
(a) Family.
(b) Community.
(c) Democracy.
(d) Hope.

3. According to Marcus in "Robert Johnson -1938," what is the only way to quiet Johnson's song "Stones in My Passway"?
(a) Ear plugs.
(b) Turn it down.
(c) Turn it off.
(d) Walk away.

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

5. Which of the following performers will NOT be discussed in Mystery Train?
(a) Randy Newman.
(b) Elvis Presley.
(c) Chuck Berry.
(d) Sly Stone.

6. In "Robert Johnson - 1938," why do some of Robert Johnson's contemporaries say that Johnson sold his soul to the devil?
(a) He practiced voodoo.
(b) He bragged about it in his songs.
(c) He began speaking in tongues.
(d) He learned to play the blues quickly.

7. What book is being discussed on the television show sketch used in the Prologue?
(a) Of Mice and Men.
(b) The Notebook.
(c) Love Story.
(d) Rich Man, Poor Man.

8. In "Harmonica Frank -1951," what does Marcus tell was his first Elvis record?
(a) "(You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care."
(b) "Hound Dog."
(c) "Rip It Up."
(d) "Rockin' Chair Daddy."

9. In "The Band," what does Marcus point to as the reason that The Band had the influences of many different bands and yet had an original sound?
(a) They were inheritors of rock 'n' roll.
(b) They studied under many different bands.
(c) They were musical geniuses.
(d) They stole from the best and pieced it together.

10. What does Marcus claim in "The Band" is not community?
(a) The Band.
(b) America.
(c) Friendship.
(d) Family.

11. What type of music did Harmonica Frank sing?
(a) Rap.
(b) Country.
(c) Blues.
(d) Rock 'n roll.

12. What "spirit" does Harmonica Frank have that Marcus believes is truly American?
(a) Tender and free.
(b) Unrepentant and free.
(c) Crazy and chaotic.
(d) Cruel and truthful.

13. Four of the members from The Band are from where?
(a) Arkansas.
(b) North Carolina.
(c) Australia.
(d) Canada.

14. Who wrote the song entitled "Layla"?
(a) Robert Johnson.
(b) Mick Jagger.
(c) Sly Stone.
(d) Eric Clapton.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How did Marcus feel when Elvis was drafted?

2. What type of art does Marcus think rock 'n' roll is?

3. According to Marcus in "Robert Johnson -1938," what gives music "mythical authority"?

4. What does Marcus say each performer he will discuss in the book attempts to do?

5. According to Marcus, what problem does the storyteller of Stage Fright face?

(see the answer keys)

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