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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. Helga now feels alienated from
2. Helga could never marry
3. Helga is angry at herself because
4. In Chicago, Helga finds a place to stay
5. Anne's feelings about racism cause her to
Short Essay Questions
1. What is Helga's reasoning for not wanting children? Is this just a defense mechanism on her part? Why, or why not?
2. Why does Helga return to Harlem? Discuss her newfound spiritual ties to the black population here. Is it the same connection she felt before? Why, or why not?
3. Something about Anne has begun to wear on Helga. What is it? Is Helga's irritability justified? Why?
4. Why does Anne begin avoiding Helga? Has something come between them? What is it?
5. Why does Helga feel free on the ship on her way to Denmark? Does being isolated in the middle of the ocean have any effect on her? If so, what?
6. What was it about Helga's past that was so unhappy? Is her unhappiness justified? Why, or why not?
7. What is it that disturbs Helga about Naxos' methods of educating children? Are her feelings justified?
8. What is Anne's problem with Audrey Denny? Does her hate toward Audrey make any sense? Why or why not?
9. Why does Helga think Anne is almost perfect? Is Anne perfect? What does Helga even know about her at this point in the story?
10. Explain Helga's repulsed fascination with the Negro performers. Why does she return over and over to see them? Is this helping her somehow?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Write a well-researched essay on the effects of early American blues music on women's sexuality and the perceptions that surrounded it, before and since. Was there a "code" of sexuality for women during the 20s in black Harlem? How did music influence or coincide with that code?
Essay Topic 2
How is Larsen's own attitude toward black women's sexuality revealed, both in Quicksand and Passing? Was Larsen a prude? Was she concerned about the stereotyping of black women? If so, how does she demonstrate her attitudes in these stories?
Essay Topic 3
Who is Hugh Wentworth? What is his role in Larsen's writing? Do a close review of both stories and determine why Larsen includes Wentworth as a character. Is he simply a literary device for her? What does he represent?
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This section contains 1,308 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) |
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