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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 5: Interlude--Black Matter(s), including the essays “Unspeakable Things Unspoken: The Afro-American Presence in American Literature” through “Hard, True, and Lasting”.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "Black Matter(s)," Morrison says that a key "absence" in writing about racism is the omission of its impact on whom?
(a) Non-Black minorities.
(b) Women.
(c) Future generations.
(d) Perpetrators.

2. Based on your reading of "Arts Advocacy," which statement would Morrison agree with?
(a) Art is a steadying force in society.
(b) The existence of art in a society is precarious.
(c) Real artists are able to create regardless of their circumstances.
(d) Artists are not responsible for a dialogue with society.

3. In "The Nobel Lecture in Literature," What does Morrison refer to with the phrase "tongue-suicide"?
(a) A refusal to speak for what is right.
(b) Lying.
(c) The willingness to ban and destroy books.
(d) The death of language.

4. In "Unspeakable Things Unspoken," Morrison says that what is different about the discussion of including African-American literature in the canon is that unlike earlier arguments over expanding the canon, this one does what?
(a) Calls into question the authenticity of American literature as a category within the canon.
(b) Undermines the existence of the canon itself.
(c) Responds to shifting tastes in the reading public.
(d) Arouses much more violent passions in the defenders of the status quo.

5. In "Black Matter(s)," Morrison retells the story of William Dunbar as an example of what?
(a) A prototypical American white male.
(b) A critic who understands the significance of Black art.
(c) A slave who struggled to make his voice heard.
(d) A victim of state violence.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Unspeakable Things Unspoken," Morrison comments that race was once used to exclude Blacks, but now that they want their race represented, they are told it does not exist. What function does this detail perform?

2. What question does Morrison say is at the center of of government?

3. The art show Morrison discusses in "Harlem on My Mind" had a catalog with a forward written by whom?

4. What is it that Morrison says distinguishes globalism from previous movements?

5. What does Morrison say is at its greatest height since the time of the slave trade?

(see the answer key)

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