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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. How does Gilroy characterize defenders of modernity's attitude toward the African diaspora?

2. What literary form does Gilroy say gave blacks access to self-creation?

3. What does the concept of the Black Atlantic do to old notions of race, according to Gilroy?

4. What does Gilroy say about music's status in culture?

5. What does Gilroy say about the realities of black experiences on both sides of the Atlantic?

Short Essay Questions

1. What symbol does Gilroy use to symbolize the black Atlantic?

2. What view does Gilroy say we should take of black experiences?

3. What is the master-slave dialectic?

4. How does Gilroy propose the concept of the black Atlantic should be used?

5. Why is Martin Robison Delany important to Gilroy?

6. What is the Fisk University Jubilee Singers' contribution to Gilroy's book?

7. What can music accomplish as Gilroy describes it?

8. What role did music play in slaves' lives according to Gilroy?

9. What does the search for black roots indicate to Gilroy?

10. What role should slavery play in the history of Western culture in Gilroy's opinion?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the end of The Black Atlantic Paul Gilroy describes the challenges facing Western culture in the future. How is race related to these challenges, and do you think that this broadening of scope is a fitting gesture to close on? Does it cement Gilroy's narrative, or does it step aside from it?

Essay Topic 2

Gilroy celebrates black music for its ability to avoid the monotone discourse that takes place in other parts of black culture. How does Gilroy himself preserve the sound of other voices and perspectives throughout his book?

Essay Topic 3

What cultural forms embody black culture? Popular culture or literature? Is it embodied by black political action, or by the daily lives of ordinary black workers? Is it embodied in a history? How does Gilroy address this question? What conclusion does he come to?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 834 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample