Killers of the Dream by Lillian Smith
- 1. Killers of the Dream, written by Lillian Smith and first published in 1949, is a profound exploration of the themes of race, societal norms, and the struggles of the human spirit in the context of the American South. In this powerful narrative, Smith delves into the complexities of her childhood experiences growing up in Georgia, offering a poignant critique of the racial prejudices and cultural constraints that defined the Southern United States in the 20th century. The book serves not only as a personal memoir but also as a broader commentary on the destructive nature of societal attitudes that suppress individuality and foster divisiveness. Smith eloquently articulates the emotional turmoil faced by those who yearn for change and understanding in a world rife with hatred and intolerance. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt storytelling, she illuminates the battle against the 'killers' of the dream—the ideologies that stifle love, acceptance, and the pursuit of a more equitable society. Killers of the Dream remains a timeless work that resonates with contemporary issues of injustice and the quest for a more compassionate human existence.
What is the primary subject of Lillian Smith's 'Killers of the Dream'?
A) A guide to Southern etiquette
B) A biography of Southern politicians
C) The psychological and moral effects of segregation
D) A history of the American Civil War
- 2. How does Smith describe the 'dream' in the book's title?
A) The goal of complete racial separation
B) The economic prosperity of the post-war South
C) The American ideal of democracy and human brotherhood
D) A literal recurring nightmare she had as a child
- 3. Who are the 'killers' referred to in the title?
A) Fictional characters from Southern folklore
B) Those who perpetuate a system of segregation and racism
C) A specific group of historical assassins
D) Northern politicians imposing laws on the South
- 4. A significant portion of the book is autobiographical, drawing on Smith's experiences growing up in:
A) Georgia
B) Alabama
C) Virginia
D) South Carolina
- 5. The book is best described as a work of:
A) Science fiction allegory
B) Formal historical research
C) Statistical economic analysis
D) Social criticism and moral philosophy
- 6. Smith published 'Killers of the Dream' in what decade?
A) The 1940s
B) The 1960s
C) The 1890s
D) The 1920s
- 7. Smith co-edited a magazine with her partner, Paula Snelling, that addressed racial issues. What was it called?
A) Radical Roots
B) The Georgia Review
C) South Today
D) The Progressive Southerner
- 8. Ultimately, 'Killers of the Dream' is a call for:
A) White Southerners to confront their history and complicity
B) The federal government to invade the South
C) Black Southerners to embrace armed revolution
D) A return to the agricultural economy of the past
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