Let Us Now Praise Famous Men by James Agee
- 1. "Let Us Now Praise Famous Men" is a groundbreaking work of literary journalism written by James Agee and illustrated by Walker Evans, published in 1941. This poignant narrative emerges from Agee's experiences during the Great Depression, where he was commissioned by Fortune magazine to document the lives of impoverished sharecroppers in Alabama. The book transcends traditional reportage, blending vivid, lyrical prose with raw, powerful photography that encapsulates the struggles and dignity of the working class. Through Agee's rich and intimate observations, readers are immersed in the everyday realities of three families, highlighting their resilience and humanity amidst harsh economic hardships. The narrative explores themes of poverty, identity, and the American experience, serving as both a historical document and a profound meditation on the nature of existence and the human condition. Agee's style is highly evocative, characterized by its emotional depth and philosophical insights, making "Let Us Now Praise Famous Men" a seminal text in both American literature and social commentary, one that continues to resonate with contemporary audiences and provoke thoughtful reflection on social justice and human dignity."
Who was the photographer who collaborated with James Agee on 'Let Us Now Praise Famous Men'?
A) Gordon Parks
B) Ansel Adams
C) Dorothea Lange
D) Walker Evans
- 2. What is the primary subject of 'Let Us Now Praise Famous Men'?
A) The lives of white tenant farmers in Alabama
B) The struggles of migrant workers in California
C) The lives of coal miners in West Virginia
D) The experiences of factory workers in Detroit
- 3. In what year was 'Let Us Now Praise Famous Men' first published?
A) 1936
B) 1945
C) 1939
D) 1941
- 4. Which magazine originally commissioned the work that became 'Let Us Now Praise Famous Men'?
A) Life
B) Time
C) The New Yorker
D) Fortune
- 5. What is a major theme that Agee grapples with throughout the book?
A) The benefits of industrialization
B) Urban development
C) The ethics of representation and observation
D) The glory of war
- 6. What was the original intended format for the Fortune magazine article?
A) A photo-essay
B) A series of poems
C) An editorial
D) A short story
- 7. Agee expresses deep anxiety about his role as a writer. What is he afraid of?
A) Exploiting the subjects for art
B) Being sued for libel
C) Losing his job at the magazine
D) Not getting the facts correct
- 8. What historical period provides the context for the book?
A) The Reconstruction Era
B) The Great Depression
C) The Roaring Twenties
D) World War II
- 9. Agee's writing is often seen as a rebellion against what?
A) The laws of the state of Alabama
B) Modernist literature
C) The tenant farming system
D) Traditional, objective journalism
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