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

Short Answer Questions

1. What reason does Baldwin give for not believing that ex-GIs traveled to Paris to study?

2. Who were the only white people that visited Baldwin's childhood home?

3. According to Baldwin, what has the African not yet endured that the American Negro has endured?

4. Who offered to contact someone outside of the prison on behalf of Baldwin?

5. Who is the owner of the night club in the Latin Quarter that specializes in fried chicken and jazz?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Isolation is a major theme throughout Baldwin's book Notes of a Native Son. What reasons do you think African Americans abroad had for choosing to isolate themselves from other African Americans abroad? Please use examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Baldwin describes his relationship with his father in Notes of a Native Son. After his father's death, Baldwin feels a sense of melancholy that he never had a chance to bond with his father. Why do you think Baldwin feels this way? What regrets, if any, do you think Baldwin had at the end of his father's life? 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.

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This section contains 345 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample