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

Short Answer Questions

1. What other event shared the same date as the funeral of Baldwin's father?

2. According to Baldwin, what discovery brings an end to the alienation of the American student in Paris?

3. What war is discussed in the chapter entitled A Question of Identity?

4. Approximately how many people live in the Swiss village that Baldwin visits?

5. According to Baldwin, what does the black man in American struggle to find?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

In the chapter Many Thousands Gone, Baldwin describes what it means to be a "Native Son" for black men. In a later essay, Notes of a Native Son, Baldwin describes his life as a "Native Son." How does Baldwin's description compare to his personal account? In what ways are they similar? In what ways are they different? Please use examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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