View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part 1, The Seer and the Seen, Section 8.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Ellison suggest as a subtitle for "Primer for White Folks?"
(a) Short Course on the American Negro for Those Who "Beat That Boy".
(b) Method for finding Peace and Harmony among the Races.
(c) How-to book for Bigots and Innocents.
(d) Comprehensive Study of the Unruly Seas of Race.

2. What is Ellison's original choice of career?
(a) Musician.
(b) Politician.
(c) Barber.
(d) Policeman.

3. What musician does Ellison see as the true "trickster" archetype?
(a) Louis Armstrong.
(b) Charlie Parker.
(c) Jack Benny.
(d) Mahalia Jackson.

4. Other white cultures have black face type entertainment, but what is different about American black face?
(a) The American history of slavery makes it a "ritual of exorcism."
(b) American black face is performed by Negro actors only.
(c) American black face is always light and fun.
(d) The American history of inclusive entertainment makes it acceptable.

5. What is the Negro child taught to see the white man as?
(a) Something to be ignored.
(b) Wise and loyal.
(c) Omniscient, omnipotent and as relentless as a Mississippi flood.
(d) A being from another planet.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Ellison believe is the true "Negro experience?"

2. Who is Stanley Edgar Hyman?

3. What Greek myth does Ellison refer to in "Brave Words?"

4. For Ellison a primary difference between Twain and Hemingway is what?

5. What type of literature does Ellison believe Wright's novel "Black Boy" is?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 344 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample