How it Feels to Be Colored Me

In the opening sentence of the essay, Hurston relies primarily on

• An appeal to pathos

• Figurative Language

• Historical Data

• Irony

• Allusion

Answer explanation

In the opening sentence, Hurston uses irony to convey a deeper meaning, contrasting expectations with reality, which engages the reader and sets the tone for the essay.

Paragraph 3 contains all of the following except:

• HYPERBOLE

• Colloquial Speech

• Paradox

• Understatement

• Metaphor

Answer explanation

Paragraph 3 includes hyperbole, colloquial speech, understatement, and metaphor, but it does not contain a paradox. A paradox presents contradictory ideas, which are absent in the paragraph.

What is the "sea change" Hurston refers to in paragraph 5?

• the fact that she has matured

• a difference in the way others perceive her

• her increased sophistication after going to school in Jacksonville

• a change resulting from her education

• her family's disapproval of her

Answer explanation

The "sea change" Hurston refers to is primarily about how others perceive her. This shift in perception highlights her evolving identity and the impact of her experiences, rather than just her personal growth or education.

In paragraph 6, what point does Hurston make?

I. Character is more important than race

II. The legacy of racism is not part of her history

III. She is critical of many of her fellow African Americans

• I only

• III only

• I and II only

• I and III only

• I, II, III

Answer explanation

In paragraph 6, Hurston emphasizes that character transcends race (I) and expresses criticism towards some African Americans (III). However, she does not claim that the legacy of racism is absent from her history (II), making I and III the correct points.

What is the primary rhetorical function of paragraph 8?

• to reinforce that Hurston has more determination that her white counterparts

• to challenge the stereotype that African Americans are threatening

• to correct a misconception about race relations

• to show sympathy for the white community

• to suggest that her situation is better than that of her white counterparts

Answer explanation

Paragraph 8 primarily suggests that Hurston's situation is better than that of her white counterparts, highlighting her unique perspective and resilience in the face of societal challenges.

In the example about listening to music in The New World Cabaret, Hurston

• appeals to racial pride

• embraces racial differences

• demonstrates her superiority to her white companion

• criticizes her African American counterparts

• proves that music crosses racial divisions

Answer explanation

In The New World Cabaret, Hurston highlights the beauty of diverse musical styles, showcasing how different racial influences enrich the experience, thus embracing racial differences rather than promoting superiority or criticism.

The central paradox in this essay is that Hurston

• criticizes the very people she wants to accept her

• employs irony and humor when she is making a serious point

• celebrates racial differences at the same time she defies racial affiliations.

• identifies with both the African American and white communities

• feels conflicting emotions simultaneously

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights Hurston's celebration of racial differences while simultaneously rejecting strict racial identities, illustrating her complex stance on race and belonging.

The metaphor in the final paragraph serves primarily to suggest that

I. Hurston is a religious person

II. Classifying and labeling are futile and foolish activities

III. People are more similar that different

• II only

• III only

• I and II only

• II and III only

• I,II,III

Answer explanation

The metaphor suggests that classifying and labeling (II) are futile, and it highlights the commonalities among people (III). Thus, the correct answer is II and III only.

Hurston's tone in this essay can best be described as

• angry and defiant

• humorous and lighthearted

• provocative and satiric

• lively and informal

• colorful and contemptuous

Answer explanation

Hurston's tone is best described as provocative and satiric because she critiques societal norms and uses irony to challenge her audience, making her arguments both engaging and thought-provoking.