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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part 1, The Seer and the Seen, Section 3.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Oklahoma hold some freedom and equality for Negroes at the time Ellison lived there?
(a) There are almost no Negroes in Oklahoma.
(b) It has no tradition of slavery.
(c) Oklahoma is founded on Mormon principles which forbade prejudice.
(d) It is fully integrated and equality was legislated.

2. What does Falkner understand about racial social code of the South?
(a) It will never change.
(b) Destructive to both Negro and white parts of society.
(c) It is fragile and illusionary.
(d) Here today, gone tomorrow.

3. What is Ellison's original career direction?
(a) Play the trumpet.
(b) Design buildings.
(c) Tend gardens.
(d) Heal the sick.

4. For Ellison who is the greatest artist the south has ever produced?
(a) Mark Twain.
(b) Ernest Hemingway.
(c) William Falkner.
(d) Ralph Ellison.

5. What does Mark Twain do with the character of Jim that breaks through the black face minstrel tradition?
(a) He's a complex, dignified and very human person.
(b) Jim is stereotypical and boring.
(c) Jim's very serious and not at all fun.
(d) Jim performs black face without the paint.

Short Answer Questions

1. Falkner writes exclusively of the southern experience yet Ellison believes him to be addressing what?

2. Ellison says Hemingway sought technical perfection rather than what?

3. What musician does Ellison see as the true "trickster" archetype?

4. What is the relationship between Ellison and Stanley Hyman?

5. What does Ellison believe writing is?

(see the answer key)

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