View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part 3, The Shadow and the Act, Section 1.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Culturally, what do American Negros represent?
(a) African tribal customs transplanted to American soil.
(b) Great amalgam of African, American Indian and European cultures.
(c) Repression of natural human desire.
(d) Future of American melting pot.

2. Hemingway carries on Twain's technical discoveries in writing but loses what?
(a) Twain's focus on American subjects.
(b) Twain's humor and light approach to storytelling.
(c) Twain's understanding that technique is to be used in the service of truth.
(d) Twain's political and social construct.

3. Why does Ellison consider Stephen Crane a great artist?
(a) He was the first great Negro author.
(b) He wrote so many books.
(c) Under pressure and panic he stuck to his guns.
(d) He was talented in so many artistic fields.

4. What childhood memory does Ellison draw on to deal with his artistic nemesis?
(a) Being forced to kneel and pray at church.
(b) Learning to play the trumpet.
(c) His father's death.
(d) Falling off a large statue.

5. Why does Ellison chose not to emphasize the details of racial hardship in his life?
(a) To avoid boring the audience.
(b) It is a white audience and he fears they will be uncomfortable.
(c) Too painful for him to speak about.
(d) It is a Negro audience and they already know his story.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who painted the mural that is displayed above Minton's bandstand?

2. In "The Art of Fiction: An Interview" what does Ellison say at the very beginning?

3. What kind of bird does Ellison say Parker is?

4. Who lives above Ellison?

5. What is the "Hidden Name" referred to in the title of Ellison's speech?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 333 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample