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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. According to Marcus, what is the affirmation that sums up The Band?
(a) Life has been so good to us all.
(b) Bad things happen, and you can't do anything about it.
(c) Don't worry, Be happy.
(d) Nothing is really divided.

2. Who says "Instead of throwing a knapsack over your back and getting out on the highway, to learn about life, we were able to do it together. We were protected by one another"?
(a) Greil Marcus.
(b) Robert Manuel.
(c) Robbie Robertson.
(d) Bobby Bland.

3. How does Marcus define a band in "The Band"?
(a) Individuals playing music together.
(b) A group of people who have been together for a long time.
(c) A singer, a drummer, and at least one guitarist.
(d) Individuals working together to achieve something they cannot on their own.

4. Who wrote the song entitled "Layla"?
(a) Eric Clapton.
(b) Robert Johnson.
(c) Sly Stone.
(d) Mick Jagger.

5. According to the critics Marcus references in "The Band," who was Robbie Robertson's "foil"?
(a) The Band.
(b) The audience.
(c) Robert Manuel.
(d) The manager.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is ironic about rock 'n' roll and democracy?

2. What does Marcus name the storyteller from The Band's lyrics?

3. What image does The Band use that shows both division and unity?

4. In "Harmonica Frank -1951," Marcus claims that Phillips was looking for music to do what?

5. According to Marcus, what problem does the storyteller of Stage Fright face?

Short Essay Questions

1. Marcus analyzes Robert Johnson's "Stones in My Passway" in "Robert Johnson -1938." What is the song about and what are the tools that Johnson uses to create the mood?

2. What imagery does Robert Johnson often use in his music? What do these images convey?

3. In "The Band," why do the other members of the Band become known as Robbie Robertson's foil?

4. According to Marcus in "The Band," how are Harmonica Frank and Robert Johnson relevant to The Band?

5. In "The Band," what is significant about a group according to Marcus in "Crossing the Border"?

6. According to Marcus in "The Band," why is the story of Virgil Cane in "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" appealing to all Americans?

7. According to Marcus in "Harmonica Frank -1951," why would Lyndon Johnson and Harmonica Frank get along?

8. Who is Marcus' audience for Mystery Train and how do you know?

9. In the prologue, what four artists does Marcus say he will write about and why these performers?

10. Compare and contrast Ahab and Huck using Marcus' descriptions from "Harmonica Frank - 1951." How are they different? How are they similar?

(see the answer keys)

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