Excerpt from Invisible Man

Which statement best describes the effect that Grandfather’s last words have on the narrator in the excerpt from Invisible Man?

• A. They are baffling to him because they seem to contradict everything about his grandfather’s life.

• B. They are illuminating to him because they reveal a lot about why his grandfather acted the way he did.

• C. They are inspiring to him because he realizes he and his grandfather have much in common.

• D. They are shocking to him because his father had described his grandfather quite differently.

Which two statements best describe a major theme or central idea in the excerpt from Invisible Man?

• the complicated nature of race relations in the United States

• the emptiness left behind by the loss of a loved one

• the effects of the Civil War on the lives of African Americans

• the struggle to find one’s identity

• the barbaric nature of slavery

In the context of the excerpt, the word "anxiety" most nearly means:

• anger.

• pleasure.

When the narrator’s grandfather says he wants his children to "undermine 'em' with grins," he seems to be suggesting that they should

• be more proud of their own people and heritage.

• realize it is hopeless to try to overcome the white man.

• fight the system while outwardly appearing to be obedient.

• attempt to understand and find common cause with the white man.

What major theme or central idea of the story is best reflected in the correct answer to Part A?

• the lack of appreciation young people have for the sacrifices made by their elders

• the conflict between how one sees oneself and how one is perceived by others

• how the corrosive effects of racism can carry on from generation to generation

• how difficult it is for people of different races or backgrounds to understand one another

In this excerpt from Go Tell It on the Mountain, what can be inferred from the fact that John assumes he is being punished when the principal points to his letters on the blackboard?

• He has a reputation as a troublemaker at his school.

• He has been taught by his father that pride is sinful.

• He is accustomed to being discriminated against by white people.

• He is used to being belittled by authority figures such as his father.

Which statement best summarizes this excerpt from Go Tell It on the Mountain?

In this excerpt from Go Tell It on the Mountain, John feels restricted by the world he lives in, but he discovers a potential way out through his intellect and academic pursuits. What does this illustrate?

• John feels restricted by the world he lives in, but he discovers a potential way out through his intellect and academic pursuits.

• John’s prejudices are turned on their head when he is unexpectedly singled out for praise by the white principal at school.

• Despite a difficult home life, John is able to beat the odds by excelling in school and becoming a respected member of the community.

• Though John has become a leader of the people in his community, he still yearns for love and acceptance from his father.

In this excerpt from Go Tell It on the Mountain, John’s complicated attitudes on the issue of race are best illustrated in

• his inability to establish any real friendships with people from his own community.

• his associating the world around his father’s home and the people in his church with darkness.

• how he dreams of one day being able to wear nice clothes and go to the movies as often as he wishes.

• how he disregards the praise he receives from people in his community yet is deeply moved when praised by his white teachers.

In this excerpt from Go Tell It on the Mountain, the author most likely uses the flashback showing John in first grade to

• A. illustrate the difficulties John encounters on account of his skin color.

• B. provide characterization showing that John has always been a unique individual.

• C. create an effect of surprise by showing how different John is from the way others perceive him.

• D. increase dramatic tension by showing the difficult choice John must make between school and the church.