Forms of Literature: Nonfiction

Test Two

Essay questions. Answer one question for each of three authors.

1. Baldwin
A. "Equal in Paris": Either discuss what Baldwin means by "equal" in the essay or explain what his final illumination consists of.
B. "Here Be Dragons": What does Baldwin mean by "androgyny?" How does it relate to the American ideal of sexuality?

2. Walker
A. Explain the symbolism of the eye injury in "Beauty: When the Other Dancer is the Self." What does it symbolize, and how does she resolve the problem it poses?
B. "Journey to Nine Miles": Why does Alice Walker make a pilgrimage to Nine Miles? What issues does her experience there illuminate? Explain.

3. Didion
A. Discuss the contrast of the generations in "On Going Home."
B. Discuss the air imagery in "On the Road." What messages does it suggest?
C. Discuss the water imagery in "Miami." What qualities of the city does it highlight?


4. Mairs
A. Discuss the author's initial reaction to the incident with the clown compared to her later reaction in "On Touching by Accident."
B. Discuss the evolution in the author's attitude toward MS in "On Being a Cripple."