How Well Do You Know James Baldwin?
Are you ready to test how well you know James Baldwin? If yes, then we have a quiz on him for you. As an American writer of the 20th century, James Baldwin's literary works majorly deal with themes of masculinity, sexuality, race, and class. Questions in this quiz deal with his personal life as well as his work. Let's see how well you manage to score. Best of luck to you!
- 1.
In 1942, which of these jobs did James Baldwin get?
- A.
The job of laying tracks for the military
- B.
The job of supervision in coal-mines
- C.
Job as a school teacher
- D.
None of these
Correct Answer
A. The job of laying tracks for the militaryExplanation
In 1942, James Baldwin got the job of laying tracks for the military.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Who encouraged James Baldwin to try writing as a career?
- A.
His mother, Emma Berdis Jones
- B.
His school principal, Gertrude E. Ayer
- C.
His childhood friend
- D.
None of these
Correct Answer
B. His school principal, Gertrude E. AyerExplanation
Gertrude E. Ayer encouraged James Baldwin to try writing as a career. This suggests that she recognized his talent and potential in writing and believed in his abilities. Her encouragement may have played a significant role in Baldwin's decision to pursue a career in writing.Rate this question:
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- 3.
During his stay in Paris, which of these works did James Baldwin write?
- A.
"The Negro"
- B.
"A Black Man in Paris"
- C.
"Paris; Through the Eyes of a Negro"
- D.
"The Negro in Paris"
Correct Answer
D. "The Negro in Paris"Explanation
During his stay in Paris, James Baldwin wrote "The Negro in Paris". This work explores the experiences and perspectives of African Americans living in Paris during the mid-20th century. Baldwin, an influential African American writer and social critic, often delved into themes of race, identity, and the African American experience in his works. "The Negro in Paris" is a reflection of his observations and insights during his time in the city.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which was James Baldwin's first novel that was also included in the list of "100 best English-language novels released from 1923 to 2005" by Time magazine years later?
- A.
Giovanni's Room
- B.
Nobody Knows My Name
- C.
Go Tell It on the Mountain
- D.
None of these
Correct Answer
C. Go Tell It on the MountainExplanation
Go Tell It on the Mountain is James Baldwin's first novel that was included in the list of "100 best English-language novels released from 1923 to 2005" by Time magazine years later. This novel, published in 1953, is a semi-autobiographical work that explores themes of race, religion, and sexuality in Harlem during the 1930s. It is considered a significant contribution to American literature and has been praised for its powerful storytelling and lyrical prose.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of these is not written by James Baldwin?
- A.
Another Country
- B.
Nothing Personal
- C.
Beloved
- D.
Nobody Knows My Name
Correct Answer
C. BelovedExplanation
Beloved is not written by James Baldwin. James Baldwin is a renowned American writer known for his works such as Another Country, Nothing Personal, and Nobody Knows My Name. However, Beloved is a novel written by Toni Morrison, not James Baldwin.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What's the name of the documentary film based on James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript titled "Remember This House"?
- A.
I Am Not Your Slave
- B.
I Am Not Your Negro
- C.
Negro Is Not My Identity
- D.
The Oppression of the Blacks
Correct Answer
B. I Am Not Your NegroExplanation
The correct answer is "I Am Not Your Negro." This documentary film is based on James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript titled "Remember This House." The film explores the history of racism in the United States through Baldwin's perspective, discussing the lives and assassinations of three of his close friends: Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. The title "I Am Not Your Negro" reflects Baldwin's rejection of the racial stereotypes and oppression imposed on African Americans.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In which year was "Go Tell It on the Mountain" published?
- A.
1943
- B.
1948
- C.
1950
- D.
1952
Correct Answer
D. 1952Explanation
"Go Tell It on the Mountain" was published in 1952. This information can be inferred from the given options, where 1952 is the only year mentioned.Rate this question:
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- 8.
"Going to Meet the Man" came in
- A.
1965
- B.
1967
- C.
1970
- D.
1972
Correct Answer
A. 1965Explanation
"Going to Meet the Man" was published in 1965.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Where did James Baldwin go from America at the age of 24 to not wanting to see himself labeled merely as an American-African writer?
- A.
Berlin
- B.
Paris
- C.
Sydney
- D.
Moscow
Correct Answer
B. ParisExplanation
At the age of 24, James Baldwin left America and went to Paris because he did not want to be categorized solely as an African-American writer. Paris offered him a more diverse and inclusive environment where he could explore his identity as a writer without being limited by racial labels. The city provided him with a sense of freedom and acceptance, allowing him to develop his unique voice and perspective on race, identity, and social issues.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of these is a character from "Just Above My Head" by James Baldwin?
- A.
Arthur Montana
- B.
Ruth Granger
- C.
Odessa
- D.
All of these
Correct Answer
D. All of theseExplanation
The correct answer is "All of these" because all three characters mentioned - Arthur Montana, Ruth Granger, and Odessa - are indeed characters from the novel "Just Above My Head" by James Baldwin.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Nov 16, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jan 04, 2023Quiz Created by
Keith Foster
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