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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Marcus in "Robert Johnson -1938," what is the American struggle?
(a) To get rich quick.
(b) To be an artist and not lose oneself.
(c) To free oneself from constraints and learn the value of those limits.
(d) To be the best and not hurt others.

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

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

4. What is the subject of Robert Johnson's song "Stones in My Passway"?
(a) A man who wants power over other souls.
(b) The end of the world as we know it.
(c) A woman the speaker misses.
(d) A man seeking salvation.

5. What does Marcus say each performer he will discuss in the book attempts to do?
(a) Create oneself.
(b) Make music for money.
(c) Entertain.
(d) Redefine love.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Marcus, what is the affirmation that sums up The Band?

2. 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?

3. Who says "Instead of throwing a knapsack over your back and getting out on the highway, to learn about life, we were able to do it together. We were protected by one another"?

4. In "The Band," Marcus tells that Robbie Robertson believed the "music" came from where?

5. What type of music did Robert Johnson sing?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Marcus in "Harmonica Frank -1951," why would Lyndon Johnson and Harmonica Frank get along?

2. Describe Robert Johnson's musical career. How did his contemporaries feel about his abilities? Is his music still relevant?

3. How does Greil Marcus define "artist" in the prologue?

4. According to Marcus in "The Band," why is the story of Virgil Cane in "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" appealing to all Americans?

5. What imagery does Robert Johnson often use in his music? What do these images convey?

6. There are several dualisms that Marcus identifies the Band reflecting on in "The Righteous Land " section of "The Band." What are two of these dualisms and what aspect of America do they reflect?

7. What is the relationship between the rock 'n' roll artist and audience according to Greil Marcus in the prologue?

8. Describe Harmonica Frank. What did he do? What did he look like? What made him unique?

9. Why might "The Band" be subtitled "Pilgrim's Progress"?

10. Who is Marcus' audience for Mystery Train and how do you know?

(see the answer keys)

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