View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 6: Part II--God’s Language, including the essays “James Baldwin Eulogy” through “The Writer Before the Page”.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "The Nobel Lecture in Literature," Morrison compares the old woman in the story to what?
(a) A writer.
(b) A reader.
(c) A prophet.
(d) God.

2. In her "James Baldwin Eulogy," Morrison makes an allusion to what Biblical story?
(a) David and Goliath.
(b) The destruction of Solomon's temple.
(c) The visit of the Three Wise Men to the Christ child.
(d) Leviathan.

3. In her "Sarah Lawrence Commencement Address," Morrison defines "dreaming" as what?
(a) Deliberate imagining that creates intimacy with the Other.
(b) An impractical luxury we cannot afford in modern times.
(c) Wasted time engaged in wishful thinking.
(d) A meditative state that improves the creative capacity of the Self.

4. In "Gertrude Stein and the Difference She Makes," Morrison posits that the "Lone" Ranger is "lone" because of what?
(a) The presence of Tonto.
(b) His race.
(c) His gender.
(d) Hiding his face behind a mask.

5. In her "Sarah Lawrence Commencement Address," what irony is Morrison's discussion of "Feed the Children" campaigns intended to illustrate?
(a) Creative imagination being limited by our own wealth and power.
(b) Generosity towards the vulnerable turning to violence as soon as the vulnerable try to advocate for themselves.
(c) The desire of wealthy Americans to spread a culture that other nations cannot afford.
(d) The easy manipulation of well-educated people by supposedly uneducated people.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "God's Language," what does Morrison say is the place of religion in African American culture?

2. In "The Writer Before the Page," what does Morrison say she avoids in her writing?

3. In "Black Matter(s)," what aspect of American slavery does Morrison claim makes its impact so long-lasting in American culture?

4. Morrison's reading of fiction about Africa written by non-African writers reminded her of what part of her childhood?

5. What is one of the consequences that Morrison blames on minstrelsy?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 394 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample