View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Morrison start a file to document?

2. What does Morrison teach?

3. What is the main theme in Sapphira and the Slave Girl?

4. What book discusses certain kinds of readings that seem inextricable from certain experiences of writing and knowledge?

5. What is "the Thing"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the prevalent themes in Sapphira and the Slave Girl?

2. What are Morrison's intentions in studying Africanism?

3. How does Morrison describe the world that we live in today, and what effect does it have on her as a writer?

4. What does it mean when Morrison says that her vulnerability lies in romanticizing blackness?

5. What type of language does Morrison struggle with?

6. After reading the preface, what can the reader expect Morrison to discuss?

7. What does Morrison say Sapphira and the Slave Girl is an example of?

8. How does Morrison describe references to the novel Sapphira and the Slave Girl?

9. What does Morrison say about Africanism worldwide?

10. What is the Byatt quote from Possession about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the difference between denotative and connotative definitions involving the term Africanism. Describe both definitions. Then explain the denotative and connotative definitions of another term that Morrison uses in response to American literature.

Essay Topic 2

Morrison claims that ignoring race in literature is a racist act in itself. Why is this true or untrue? Point out at least two of her arguments and provide support for them and criticize them.

Essay Topic 3

How does Hemingway portray race in his work? How is Hemingway distant from African-Americans in his work? What does this tell the reader? How does Hemingway show the difference between males and females? How does he relate this to race?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 714 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample