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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is American literature described as being in Playing in the Dark?
(a) A melting pot.
(b) A closet.
(c) A treasure trove.
(d) A bookshelf.

2. Who wrote The Words to Say It?
(a) Marilee Coxwell.
(b) Maxine Christenson.
(c) Mason Conte.
(d) Marie Cardinal.

3. In Morrison's point of view, what does the fabrication of an Africanist presence a reflexive mediation on?
(a) The self.
(b) Society.
(c) Readers.
(d) Writers.

4. Which of the following elements of racism does Morrison say studies of racism focus on?
(a) Consequences of racism.
(b) Origin of racism.
(c) People who have failed as a result of racism.
(d) Why literature is racist.

5. Morrison says that what item reveals itself differently to each writer?
(a) Book.
(b) Pen.
(c) Notebook.
(d) Paper.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Morrison claim to struggle with language that evokes hidden signals?

2. What analogy does Morrison use to describe what studies of racism should focus on?

3. Morrison claims that she does not want to replace what with Afrocentric domination?

4. Who is the third author Morrison mentions as including black references in his or her work?

5. What accusations does Morrison accept the risk of when discussing studies of racism?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Morrison say about Africanism worldwide?

2. What does it mean when Morrison says that her vulnerability lies in romanticizing blackness?

3. What are Morrison's intentions in studying Africanism?

4. According to Morrison, what does a black woman represent to literature but not to herself?

5. After reading the preface, what can the reader expect Morrison to discuss?

6. Who does Morrison blame for literary whiteness and blackness?

7. What does Morrison believe studies of racism focus on?

8. Why doesn't Sapphira and the Slave Girl allow readers to ignore race?

9. Describe the dichotomies Morrison presents as being necessary for black people to fulfill.

10. What risk does Morrison accept in discussing studies of racism?

(see the answer keys)

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