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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 negative stereotype does the character Carmen Jones perpetuate?

2. In what era did James Baldwin write Notes of a Native Son?

3. Since Negroes have been in this country, Baldwin writes that their one devastating gain was:

4. What does Baldwin say is the hatred symbol of Georgia?

5. What impeded the Progressive Party's progression in Harlem during the 1940s?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Baldwin describe the Richard Wright's book, Native Son?

2. Who was Clarence Warde and what role did he play in the Journey to Atlanta?

3. Why does Baldwin address the phenomenon of Americans choosing to remain in Paris after World War II?

4. How did Baldwin receive word about the journey to Atlanta?

5. What roles does religion play in the life of the Negro?

6. What is the main difference between the American Negro and the French Negro?

7. Describe the appearance and the role of Mrs. Branson Price.

8. Describe the Swiss village that Baldwin visits in the essay Stranger in the Village.

9. Why did many of the Americans that chose to study in Paris after the war, return to the United States?

10. What is the significance of having both the lead characters in the film Carmen Jones cast by light-complected Negroes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Baldwin writes about the struggle for African Americans to find their own identity in the United States. Based on Baldwin's essays, do you think African Americans will be able to find their identity as American citizens or will they always have to "escape" in order to try to find their identity? Please use examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

In the essay Journey to Atlanta, Baldwin retells the story of the Melodeers' trip to Atlanta. What types of style and tone techniques does Baldwin use in this essay and for what purpose does he use these forms? Please use examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

In Notes of a Native Son, Baldwin makes reference to stereotypical and unrealistic black characters such as Aunt Jemima, Uncle Tom, and Carmen Jones. In your opinion, do these stereotypical figures represent the story of America? If so, how do these images represent the story of America? How do these images represent the lives of African Americans? Please use examples from the book to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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