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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. In the attack on Algeria, what does Cardinal see?
(a) White slaughter of a black mother.
(b) Vengeful slaughter of an innocent.
(c) White slaughter of an Indian mother.
(d) White slaughter of a white mother.

2. Who is the third author Morrison mentions as including black references in his or her work?
(a) Palahniuk.
(b) Bronte.
(c) Shaw.
(d) O'Connor.

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

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

5. According to Morrison, what do reading and writing require?
(a) Perseverance.
(b) Alertness.
(c) Fear.
(d) Anger.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following elements of racism does Morrison say studies of racism focus on?

2. According to Morrison, what demands are put on black people?

3. Where were the lectures that Playing in the Dark is based on given?

4. In what role does Morrison see the subject of a dream?

5. Who gave the lectures that Morrison bases Playing in the Dark on?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Morrison hope that studies of racism will begin to examine?

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

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

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

6. Until recently, what did Morrison assume about all readers of American fiction?

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

8. Describe Morrison's statement that the subject of the dream is the dreamer.

9. Describe The Words to Say It and its subject matter.

10. What does Morrison say about Africanism worldwide?

(see the answer keys)

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