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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what month did Cage first present his lecture "45' for a Speaker"?

2. In "Where Are We Going? And What Are We Doing?" Cage recalls once when he thought he was going East, but he was really going in what direction?

3. In what year was "Where Are We Going? And What Are We Doing?" first printed?

4. "On Robert Rauschenberg, Artist, and His Work" was completed it what month?

5. In "45' for a Speaker" Cage says one danger for the magnetic tape is what type of music?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened when Cage attended a party to which he was not invited and asked the hostess for rum to drink?

2. Describe the process Cage using for writing "45' for a Speaker."

3. Why did Vera Williams' children cry when she served them mushrooms on their steak?

4. What does Cage say about classical ballet?

5. What happened when Cage told a technician during a recording session what to expect from his music?

6. How did Cage and David Tudor react when food shipped to them from India came in all mixed up?

7. How does Cage think an evolution of music due to percussion instruments will affect dancers and choreographers?

8. What does Cage say about change in "Where Are We Going? And What Are We Doing?"

9. How did Cage come to be in possession of a coat belonging to Ms. Reis?

10. How does Cage say "Where Are We Going? And What Are We Doing?" should be delivered?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore the author's use of philosophical ideas. When do you think it first becomes clear that the author is approaching his ideas and work from a philosophical perspective? What direct statements does he make about philosophy? At this early point in the book, what does Cage's philosophy on music seem to be? Can you sense any philosophies on life in general?

Essay Topic 2

What does Cage say about the way opposites define each other? What is his logic in saying this? What examples does he give to prove his point? What techniques does he use to prove his point? How does this relate to a larger ideology about Buddhism?

Essay Topic 3

In Part 3, the author asks "What has been composed?" because so much is determined randomly. Why do you think Cage asks this question? Does he seem to be undermining his own work as a composer? What point is he trying to make about the relationship between creating and being random?

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