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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the original title of the film "The Birth of a Nation?"
(a) Domination.
(b) The Clansman.
(c) White Pride.
(d) KKK Army.

2. How does Ellison describe Mahalia Jackson?
(a) High Priestess.
(b) Uncle Tom.
(c) Jazz Diva.
(d) Female Louis Armstrong.

3. Where is the book review "Blues People" published and when?
(a) Tukumpsee Reader, 1930.
(b) New York Review, 1964.
(c) Saturday Review, 1945.
(d) Cleveland Times, 1974.

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

5. What do all American Negros share?
(a) Educational and economic level.
(b) Religious and political beliefs.
(c) Genetic links to Central Africa.
(d) A hatred toward European colonization and slavery.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Mrs. Jackson cooking in "The Way It Is?"

2. What is the first book Ellison ever reviews in a publication?

3. Where does Charlie Parker die?

4. Who is the author of the novel "Intruder in the Dust?"

5. What is remarkable about the psychiatric staff?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ellison say about a Negro President?

2. What is the film "Intruder in the Dust" about?

3. What type of food is served at Minton's?

4. Who is Mahalia Jackson?

5. What does the "drunk of legend" who lives on the corner do?

6. What place does "Living with Music" describe?

7. What does Ellison believe Jackson's greatest gift is?

8. Where is the Lefargue Psychiatric Clinic located?

9. What captures the attention of many critics about "Blues People."

10. In the Paris Review (Spring 1955) Ellison was interviewed about his work as a writer. What does he say his first piece of professional writing was?

(see the answer keys)

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