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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. Cage and his friend accidentally steal what item of clothing from a party to which he was not invited?

2. Who made a recording of "Where Are We Going? And What Are We Doing?"?

3. Cage says the trouble with what city is its past?

4. In "Where Are We Going? And What Are We Doing?" Cage wonders why he ever lost interest in what group?

5. "Lecture on Nothing" was originally printed in what year?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Cage say about the form of "Where Are We Going? And What Are We Doing?"

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

3. What does Cage suggests that Morton Feldman felt about opposites?

4. What does Cage say about silence at the end of "45' for a Speaker"?

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

6. What does the author say about modern dance and whether it works?

7. How is the essay "Lecture on Nothing" formatted?

8. How does the author think music will evolve in regard to percussion instruments?

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

10. What does Cage say about classical ballet?

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

Based on the three anecdotes after "Composition as Process--III: Communication," what is Cage saying about having expectations? What expectations are not being met? Does Cage seem to agree with the feelings expressed by the people in his anecdotes? How clear is his message about expectations? What techniques does he use to make his point?

Essay Topic 3

Explore the contrast created in Cage's essay which is an imaginary conversation between himself and Erik Satie. Discuss the mathematical presence in Cage's parts in relation to the near-poetic sensibility revealed in Satie's part. Why do you think the author takes this tone for his parts? Do you think he is really so cold about Satie? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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