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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part 2, Sound and the Mainstream, Section 3.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. That Ellison's first novel might win a prestigious award makes him think what?
(a) He is a brilliant writer.
(b) There is a crisis in the American novel.
(c) He is chosen only because he is Negro.
(d) The committee has made a huge mistake.

2. What distresses Ellison most about the essay "Black Boys and Native Sons?"
(a) Assumes an absolute separation of the races.
(b) Written only for a white audience.
(c) Criticizes his own writing.
(d) Uses the word "Boy" in its title.

3. What is the name of the college Ellison attended?
(a) Tuskegee.
(b) University of Oklahoma.
(c) Harvard.
(d) Rutgers.

4. What does Ellison believe writing is?
(a) Ethical instrument.
(b) Mindless activity.
(c) A way to criticize others.
(d) Channeling of higher beings.

5. Who is Stanley Hyman's favorite archetypal figure?
(a) Orphaned prince.
(b) Messiah.
(c) Trickster.
(d) King.

Short Answer Questions

1. Falkner writes exclusively of the southern experience yet Ellison believes him to be addressing what?

2. Why does Ellison reject the "hard-boiled" novel style of writing?

3. Why does "Invisible Man" take so long to complete?

4. What is Ellison's original choice of career?

5. What specific folk art form does "Black Boy" reflect?

(see the answer key)

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