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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. Mary Daly was trying to overcome the repressive forces of the ______________, according to Audre Lorde's point of view.

2. Audre Lorde believes there are no new _________ still waiting in the wings to save us as women, as humans.

3. In dreams that Audre Lorde has after her trip to Russia, she begins to believe that Russia became a mythic representation of that ___________ does not yet exist anywhere she has been.

4. Audre Lorde points out the flaw in thinking that another group freedom of ___________ is to jeopardize one's own freedoms.

5. Audre Lorde sees the Soviet Union as placing its___________ at the core of its programs, at least officially.

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to hopes and to dreams when they are put into language in poetry, according to Audre Lorde?

2. What are some of the physical observations that Audre Lorde makes about the city of Moscow?

3. What leads to better decision making, in Audre Lorde's opinion, which becomes a source of power?

4. What is the significant event which occurred just a little while after the letter of this section was written?

5. What does Audre Lorde believe is missing from Mary Daly's work and she begins to point this out in the letter?

6. What is the difference between pornography and erotic, according to Audre Lorde in this chapter?

7. Why does Audre Lorde include the example of Patricia Cowan's murder in her essay response?

8. What happens to old ideas when they are presented within the context of poetry, according to Audre Lorde?

9. What is the complaint that Helen tells Audre Lorde about the Russian working class, although Lorde disagrees?

10. How does Audre Lorde define the idea of erotic and what it means to be erotic in the context of this chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lorde is one for discussing the differences in the lives of women, no matter what color or sexual preference.

Part 1: Why do you think differences are important to point out in the lives of others?

Part 2: Do you think the focusing on similarities can be powerful as well?

Part 3: How do you think that differences can be used in a discussion about feminism and racism?

Essay Topic 2

The relationship between Lorde and her son is one which makes her think about her influence on him in his life.

Part 1: Do you think it's reasonable to say that Lorde is unable to be a complete parent to her son?

Part 2: Do you think the Lorde's son may not be able to find a good role model in his life?

Part 3: Do you believe a son is going to be less of a man because of having a lesbian mother?

Essay Topic 3

Lorde defines poetry as something which is vital and necessary to the human condition.

Part 1: Do you agree that poetry is vital and essential to the human condition?

Part 2: Why do you think Lorde feels women will benefit most from poetry?

Part 3: What are your initial reactions to reading and to writing poetry?

(see the answer keys)

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