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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 6: Part II--God’s Language, including the essays “James Baldwin Eulogy” through “The Writer Before the Page”.

Multiple Choice 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?
(a) It ironically illustrates the constantly shifting rationale for exclusion.
(b) It introduces a nostalgic tone that supports Morrison's argument with an element of pathos.
(c) It is a straw-man version of the counterclaims Morrison is trying to undermine.
(d) It adds a comic note that breaks the tension of a series of upsetting images.

2. 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) Responds to shifting tastes in the reading public.
(b) Undermines the existence of the canon itself.
(c) Arouses much more violent passions in the defenders of the status quo.
(d) Calls into question the authenticity of American literature as a category within the canon.

3. According to Morrison, identifying the race of a subject can have what unintended consequence?
(a) Better representation of marginalized communities.
(b) Shaping public perception of whiteness.
(c) Perpetuating stereotypes and marginalizing minorities.
(d) Inaccurately depicting race as "real" instead of as a "construct."

4. In her "Sarah Lawrence Commencement Address," Morrison says that when you hate you become what?
(a) An addict.
(b) A slave.
(c) A victim.
(d) A monster.

5. In "God's Language," Morrison says that she does not keep a writer's notebook because of what?
(a) She thinks writer's notebooks are an excuse to avoid actual writing.
(b) Her process does not work with a writer's notebook.
(c) Her novels serve the same purpose as a writer's notebook.
(d) She is afraid that people would want to read it.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.," what does Morrison say she wonders about MLK?

2. In "Unspeakable Things Unspoken," Morrison notes that she almost titled the essay something else--what?

3. In "Race Matters," Morrison creates a metaphorical comparison between "race-specific, race-free" language and what?

4. In "Black Matter(s)," Morrison retells the story of William Dunbar as an example of what?

5. In "Academic Whispers," who does Morrison say should be asked to speak about racism?

(see the answer key)

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