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

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

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. 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"?

3. What magazine had an article "measuring Richard Manuel for a straight-jacket" (62)?

4. What author does Marcus quote in the beginning of "Robert Johnson -1938" to illustrate the promise of American life?

5. 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?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. According to Marcus in "The Band," how are Harmonica Frank and Robert Johnson relevant to The Band?

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

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

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

7. In "The Band," why do the other members of the Band become known as Robbie Robertson's foil?

8. Marcus analyzes Robert Johnson's "Stones in My Passway" in "Robert Johnson -1938." What is the song about and what are the tools that Johnson uses to create the mood?

9. Compare and contrast Ahab and Huck using Marcus' descriptions from "Harmonica Frank - 1951." How are they different? How are they similar?

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

(see the answer keys)

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