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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of The Band's second album?

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

3. What does Marcus think the performers discussed in the Prologue have in common?

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

5. Who is the main character in the song "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "The Band," what is significant about a group according to Marcus in "Crossing the Border"?

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

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

4. Compare and contrast Harmonica Frank and Robert Johnson in terms of style. Use details from both "Harmonica Frank - 1951" and "Robert Johnson -1938." How are the two styles similar? What about the lyrics are different?

5. What type of music was Sam Phillips attempting to find and why?

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

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

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

9. In "Harmonica Frank - 1951," what exactly is the American spirit that Marcus believes Harmonica Frank brought to rock n' roll?

10. In "The Band," what happens when the Band plays in San Francisco after releasing their first two albums?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Freedom is an American theme explored in rock 'n' roll. Choose one artist and using their lyrics identify their concept of freedom (or the lack of it). Does the artist's music reflect the American idea of freedom?

Essay Topic 2

Rock 'n' roll always has its ties to race and it both enriches the music and hinders it. Pick one artist who dealt with race issues in his music (any of the artists discussed in Mystery Train do). In an essay identify what the racial tensions of the time were and how they factored into the music.

Essay Topic 3

Elvis is a man but he is also a symbol. In an essay discuss at least three concepts that Elvis came to symbolize. How does he symbolize these concepts? What did he do to reinforce these conceptions?

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