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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. The Prologue states that Marcus wants to discuss rock 'n' roll in what context?
(a) As music in general.
(b) As youth culture.
(c) As American culture.
(d) As a counterculture.

2. 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) Little Richard.
(d) Bob Dylan.

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

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

5. What does Marcus say failure mean to Americans in "Robert Johnson -1938"?
(a) Opportunity.
(b) Loss.
(c) Despair.
(d) Betrayal.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Harmonica Frank -1951," who is the "latest Ahab"?

2. With whom did the Band play from 1965 to 1966, helping him and themselves to improve and gain popularity?

3. Who wrote "Whispering Pines"?

4. According to the critics Marcus references in "The Band," who was Robbie Robertson's "foil"?

5. Who said "I played rock and roll before I ever heard of Elvis Presley. I saw him in Memphis before he ever made a record"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who are Harmonica Frank and Robert Johnson? Why are they included in the book?

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

4. According to the prologue, what is Greil Marcus' purpose in writing Mystery Train?

5. In "Robert Johnson -1938," what common theme does Robert Johnson's music have with music by Eric Clapton?

6. According to Marcus in the introduction to "The Band," what message did The Band send to its audience?

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

8. According to Marcus in "The Band," who is the storyteller in Big Pink and what is his story?

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

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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