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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part 2, Sound and the Mainstream, Section 4.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does "Invisible Man" take so long to complete?
(a) The transitions the character goes through.
(b) Too many versions of the book.
(c) Not perfect enough.
(d) No ending.

2. Why are slaves able to express themselves in art?
(a) Entertainment was enforced by white culture.
(b) They came from African cultures where art was highly functional.
(c) They were given artistic education by slave owners.
(d) Art was seen as harmless by slave owners.

3. What does the hero of "Invisible Man" do that is a common theme in Negro folklore?
(a) Hides his true self from the world.
(b) Layers meaning under jokes and images of nature.
(c) Travels from the south and goes north to find freedom.
(d) Writes his thoughts in song lyrics.

4. When does Jones place the beginnings of the blues?
(a) World War II.
(b) During the Civil Rights movement.
(c) At the Negro's conscious appearance on the American scene.
(d) In ancient times throughout Africa.

5. What does Ellison say slaves had in place of freedom?
(a) Dementia, mental illness, emptiness.
(b) Early death, disease, drunkenness.
(c) Blues, spirituals, jazz.
(d) Suffering, despair, darkness.

Short Answer Questions

1. What three ways do Negroes in Wright's childhood survive?

2. Where is the essay "Richard Wright's Blues" published and when?

3. What does Ellison believe Negro folklore does?

4. Where is the book review "Blues People" published and when?

5. Which critics of "Black Boy" does Ellison want to respond to?

(see the answer key)

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