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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. How does DuBois characterize the message that is contained in the sorrow songs?
(a) Veiled.
(b) Obvious.
(c) Mystical.
(d) Hidden.

2. What effect does DuBois say the sorrow songs had on him, the first time he heard one?
(a) It transported him back to the South.
(b) He recognized it immediately.
(c) He was frightened by it.
(d) It reminded him of his mother’s voice.

3. What does DuBois say blacks typically see in the area of law and justice?
(a) Revenge.
(b) Profitability.
(c) Opportunity.
(d) Humiliation.

4. What does DuBois say the sorrow songs are silent about?
(a) Love.
(b) Home.
(c) Family.
(d) Death.

5. How is Chapter 11, On the Passing of the Firstborn, different from the other chapters?
(a) It is much more reassuring.
(b) It is much more personal.
(c) It is much more bitter.
(d) It is much more guarded.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does DuBois compare the plantation houses in Dougherty County with plantation houses in Virginia, in the time of slavery?

2. How long does it take John to come home?

3. How does DuBois characterize John Jones?

4. What does DuBois say was the Negro’s first religion?

5. Why did John kill the white John, son of the Judge?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does DuBois characterize the Preacher in the Southern Negro revival meeting?

2. How does DuBois characterize the Music in the Southern Negro revival meeting?

3. What is DuBois’ final hope for his book?

4. What vision does DuBois have, of a future for American blacks?

5. How does DuBois characterize the double system of justice in the South?

6. How did Alexander Crummell overcome the temptation of Doubt?

7. What is the role of music in the coming of John?

8. Why does DuBois think that his son might have been fortunate to die young?

9. What does DuBois say is the tragedy of people like Alexander Crummell?

10. How has the price of cotton affected the Black Belt?

(see the answer keys)

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