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Name: _________________________ | Period: ___________________ |
This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. How did Oceola first learn to play piano?
2. What time period does "The Blues I'm Playing" take place in?
3. What happens to the soprano that Mrs. Ellsworth had a complaint about?
4. What complaint does Mrs. Ellsworth have about a soprano?
5. Why does Mrs. Ellsworth want to provide specific things for Oceola?
Short Essay Questions
1. What happened the last time Oceola played for Mrs. Ellsworth?
2. What does Mrs. Ellsworth find out about the boarder through her inquiries to Mr. Hunter?
3. What did Oceola's mother do when they moved to St. Louis?
4. Why does Oceola respond to Mrs. Ellsworth's suggestion about Harlem the way that she does?
5. What does Mrs. Ellsworth do after Oceola's response to her suggestion?
6. What themes does the music that Oceola plays at the end of the story reflect?
7. Describe the setting of "The Blues I'm Playing."
8. What does Mrs. Ellsworth provide Oceola with during the beginning of their artist/patron relationship?
9. How is Oceola brought to Mrs. Ellsworth's attention?
10. Describe Pete Williams.
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Mrs. Ellsworth is one of the main characters of "The Blues I'm Playing." Describe her background and explore how her passion for art may be related to her background. Why does Mrs. Ellsworth spend so much of her time and resources? Why has she lost interest in her own life? Make sure you answer each question and use examples from the story to support your answer.
Essay Topic 2
Harlem causes tension in the artist/patron relationship between Mrs. Ellsworth and Oceola. Both characters attach certain meanings to the places they prefer. Mrs. Ellsworth tries many different things to fix this problem, but she does not ever fully succeed in her efforts. Why does Mrs. Ellsworth dislike Oceola's residence in Harlem? How does Mrs. Ellsworth try to remove Oceola from Harlem, and how does Oceola respond to these actions? Make sure you answer each part of the question and use examples from the story to support your answer.
Essay Topic 3
Symbolism is a device used in many literary pieces, including "The Blues I'm Playing." What symbols are in the story, and what do they mean? Which characters are associated with certain symbols? What do Mrs. Ellsworth and Oceola symbolize? Make sure you answer each question and use examples from the story to support your answer.
This section contains 603 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) |
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