Print
Word
PDF
|
| Name: _________________________ | Period: ___________________ |
This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. What did Seale attempt to use as a political threat?
2. What literary figure does Marcus allude to in "Sly Stone" when identifying how Sly speaks in the music?
3. Why was Newman's choice of voice "dangerous"?
4. What controversial topics are addressed in Randy Newman's song "Sail Away"?
5. Staggerlee and Sly Stone are both powerful, but what is different about them?
Short Essay Questions
1. How does Marcus define pop culture optimism and pessimism in "Sly Stone"?
2. Why did Marcus entitle a section "Mystery Train" in "Elvis"? Why is this also the title of the book?
3. In "Elvis," what is Elvis' "Rockabilly Moment" (141)?
4. Describe Randy Newman's style; what does he sound like? What influences are in the music?
5. What does Marcus mean when he wrote: "Instead of breaking the bartender's glass Stack found himself aiming at the mirror behind the bar, and thus discovered that the target was himself" (78)?
6. According to Marcus in "Randy Newman" what is a shared culture? Why is the shared culture important?
7. In "Elvis," Marcus discusses the Pink Cadillac as being the downfall of Elvis. What does the Pink Cadillac symbolize and how is it Elvis' downfall?
8. In "Randy Newman," does Randy Newman care if he is popular or not?
9. According to Marcus in "Randy Newman," what is important about the Beach Boys? (101)
10. According to Marcus in "Elvis," what are Elvis Presley's roots?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Both Harmonica Frank and Robert Johnson have some claim as the originator of rock 'n' roll. In an essay, compare and contrast the two men including their styles, their audiences, and their legacies. At the end of your essay, identify if Harmonica Frank, Robert Johnson, or both are the true originator of rock 'n' roll. Use details from Mystery Train to support your conclusions.
Essay Topic 2
Greil Marcus discusses The Band, Sly Stone, Randy Newman, and Elvis as the inheritors of Harmonica Frank's and Robert Johnson's music. In an essay identify how Harmonica Frank and Robert Johnson are ancestors.
Essay Topic 3
The archetypal theme, desire for freedom, is more than apparent in Harmonica Frank's style and life. Write an essay analyzing how this is an archetypal theme and how Harmonica Frank represents it in his music and life.
|
This section contains 1,166 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
|
