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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the Henry Morgan book, where does a shooting occur?

2. In the Henry Morgan book, who is portrayed as being the most violent?

3. Morrison says that Hemingway's work is more artless and unselfconscious than which writer?

4. In Hemingway's novel, how does the female character see the male's brutality and power?

5. In the novel featuring Catherine, what is the social taboo of blackness associated with?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does early America distinguish itself by pressing toward a future of freedom?

2. Why does Morrison deem Poe the most important early American writer?

3. From Morrison's point of view, how do writers see whiteness?

4. Describe one major theme Morrison lists being consistent with American literature.

5. Why does Morrison suggest that Dunbar's finer sensibilities have been dulled?

6. Describe To Have and Have Not.

7. The common claim that white America has considered many things without reference to the black population includes what concepts?

8. How does Hemingway make the serviceability of the Africanist presence more pronounced?

9. What does Morrison try to make it clear that she is not doing?

10. How does Huckleberry Finn critique class and race?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Morrison claims that ignoring race in literature is a racist act in itself. Why is this true or untrue? Point out at least two of her arguments and provide support for them and criticize them.

Essay Topic 2

Morrison states that she struggles with language that evokes hidden signals of racial superiority and that her vulnerability lies in romanticizing blackness. What does this mean? What does this tell the reader about Morrison and about literature? Give an example of hidden signals of racial superiority and romanticizing a race.

Essay Topic 3

According to Morrison, what do most studies of racism focus on? What does Morrison wish they would examine? Why? Do you agree with her? Identify and give examples of the terms racial hierarchy, racial exclusion, racial vulnerability, and racial availability.

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