Common Ground by J. Anthony Lukas - Test
- 1. Common Ground by J. Anthony Lukas is a profound exploration of the social and racial tensions that characterized Boston during the tumultuous period of school desegregation in the 1970s. The book intricately weaves together the lives of three main characters: a working-class white family, a black family from the housing projects, and a middle-class liberal family, each representing different perspectives and experiences within the broader context of the city's struggle with racial integration and equality. Lukas meticulously documents the emotional and societal impacts of desegregation, highlighting how policies intended to promote fairness often led to conflict and division. Through a combination of personal anecdotes, historical detail, and vivid political commentary, Lukas paints a rich tapestry of the hopes, frustrations, and realities faced by individuals as they navigate the complexities of race, class, and community. 'Common Ground' serves not only as a historical account but also as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges in the pursuit of justice and understanding in American society.
What is the primary subject of 'Common Ground' by J. Anthony Lukas?
A) The Vietnam War protests
B) The civil rights movement in Alabama
C) The busing crisis in Boston
D) The labor movement in New York
- 2. What prestigious award did 'Common Ground' win?
A) The National Book Award
B) The Pulitzer Prize
C) The PEN/Faulkner Award
D) The Booker Prize
- 3. Who was the federal judge who ordered busing in Boston?
A) W. Arthur Garrity
B) Learned Hand
C) John J. Sirica
D) Thurgood Marshall
- 4. In what neighborhood did much of the anti-busing violence occur?
A) South Boston
B) Back Bay
C) Beacon Hill
D) The North End
- 5. What was the name of the newspaper where columnist Lisa McGoff worked?
A) The Boston Globe
B) The Phoenix
C) The Christian Science Monitor
D) The Boston Herald
- 6. How does the book primarily structure its narrative?
A) As the author's personal memoir
B) As a series of interviews with politicians
C) In strict chronological order of events
D) By interweaving the stories of the three families
- 7. What was a major consequence of the busing crisis explored in the book?
A) A rapid improvement in test scores
B) Mass migration from the suburbs to the city
C) Deepening racial and class divisions
D) The dissolution of the Boston school committee
- 8. The book is considered a classic example of which genre?
A) Science fiction
B) Political satire
C) Literary journalism / narrative nonfiction
D) Historical romance
- 9. What happened to J. Anthony Lukas after the publication of 'Common Ground'?
A) He retired from writing
B) He died by suicide
C) He won a second Pulitzer Prize
D) He became a politician
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