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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. The speaker of the poem entitled "Without Benefit of Declaration" rails against what element of society?

2. What is the final line of the short poem entitled "Dream Dust"?

3. In the poem "To Be Somebody," what object does the "little boy" (92) dream of?

4. What term is used to describe the people who bury the man at the center of the poem "Dead in There"?

5. What is the main theme depicted within the poem entitled "Question and Answer"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the appearance of the theme of redemption within the poem entitled "Life is Fine."

2. In what way is the theme of collectivism present within the poem entitled "To You"?

3. For what purpose does Hughes use allusion within the poem entitled "Projection"?

4. To whom is the poem entitled "Late Last Night" addressed?

5. What is the most prominent literary device used within the poem entitled "To Be Somebody"?

6. What historical figure is quoted within the poem that includes the lines "Who would be free/Themselves must strike/The first blow" (136)?

7. In what way is repetition utilized within the poem entitled "Song for Billie Holiday"?

8. In what way does the poem entitled Madam and the Census Man" display the theme of pride in identity?

9. Discuss one humanist message put forth within the poem entitled "Junior Addict."

10. Discuss two examples of personification within the poem entitled "Georgia Dusk."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Trace the characterization arc of Cora’s character throughout the story "Cora Unashamed." Discuss whether Cora is a round or flat character and whether she is a static or dynamic character.

Essay Topic 2

How is the topic of motherhood treated within the collection entitled Vintage Hughes and how does its treatment relate to the collection’s depicted messages?

Essay Topic 3

Write a critical essay about the collection Vintage Hughes while using the critical power theory lens of Marxist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the novel's treatment of issues such as socioeconomic status, hierarchies, wealth, class, or any other issues related to Marxist theory that can be found in the collection.

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