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

Short Answer Questions

1. In the essay Equal in Paris, what city was Baldwin's new "friend" from?

2. What tool(s) does Baldwin take with him to the Swiss village?

3. What happened on the same day that Baldwin's father died?

4. How long had Baldwin been gone from home when his father passed away?

5. What performer did Baldwin believe would be remembered for their performance as the embattled solider in Broadway's Deep Are the Roots?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Baldwin wrote each of the essays in the book Notes of a Native Son between 1940 and 1959 and he published each in various publications during that time. Why do you think Baldwin selected these particular essays for inclusion in the book? Please use examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

In the essay Notes of a Native Son, Baldwin uses his personal experience to describe his life as a native son. How does Baldwin's personal account as a Native Son compare to his summary and criticism of the book Native Son in the essay Many Thousands Gone? Does his account address the issues he had with the original story? Please use examples from the book to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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