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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. In what setting does the beginning of the poem "Life is Fine" take place?
(a) At a lake.
(b) At a river.
(c) At a circus.
(d) At a carnival.

2. At the end of the poem "Without the Benefit of Declaration," the speaker tells the mother in the poem not to take what action?
(a) Lie.
(b) Die.
(c) Lose hope.
(d) Cry.

3. The poem entitled "To Be Somebody" has a final stanza suggests that "There's always room" (92) in what location?
(a) At the bottom.
(b) At the top.
(c) In Heaven.
(d) In Hell.

4. How many poems within the collection Vintage Hughes include stage directions regarding a particular element of the poem's performance?
(a) 3.
(b) 8.
(c) 5.
(d) 6.

5. At the end of the poem "Life is Fine," the speaker decides that life is "fine as" (88) what?
(a) A sign.
(b) Swine.
(c) Wine.
(d) A lion.

Short Answer Questions

1. The trumpet player featured within the poem of the same name has a jacket with a "roll" (82) containing how many buttons?

2. The poem entitled "Final Call" suggests that Robin Hood should be called upon to "clinch" (133) what type of campaign?

3. The speaker of the poem "Juke Box Love Song" states that he will "make a crown" (95) using what materials?

4. The speaker of the poem entitled Crowns and Garlands declares that he cannot take what action with regard to "Ralph Bunche" (139)?

5. What musician is NOT alluded to within the poem entitled "Projection"?

Short Essay Questions

1. For what purpose does Hughes use allusion within the poem entitled "Projection"?

2. In the poem that begins with three different interjections to do with "sorrow" and "pity" and "pain" (115), what type of eyes is terror said to have?

3. In what way is the theme of isolation depicted within the poem entitled "Kid in the Park"?

4. What is the setting of the poem entitled "Projection"?

5. In what way is repetition utilized within the poem entitled "Song for Billie Holiday"?

6. To whom is the poem entitled "Late Last Night" addressed?

7. In what way does the poem entitled Madam and the Census Man" display the theme of pride in identity?

8. Discuss one humanist message put forth within the poem entitled "Junior Addict."

9. Describe Hughes's use of character foils within the poem entitled "Mama and Daughter."

10. What possibilities does Hughes imagine in relation to a "dream deferred" (108) in perhaps his most famous poem, entitled "Harlem [2]"?

(see the answer keys)

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