Multiple Choice Quiz #3: The Drunk

The speaker in the passage can be described as someone who is dedicated to improving their abilities as a writer. This can be inferred from the statement that the speaker spends hours each day writing and revising, and that they are constantly seeking feedback and advice from other writers. The passage does not mention the speaker's interest in being a musician or their talent in both music and writing. It also does not provide any information about the speaker's motivation being different from the jazz musicians mentioned. There is no indication in the passage that the speaker aspires to greatness but believes they will never achieve it.

The passage describes the drunk, the jazz musicians, and the singer as all having an intense application to a single activity. This can be inferred from the information given in the passage, which suggests that these individuals are fully absorbed and focused on their respective activities (drinking, playing jazz music, singing). The passage does not mention an inability to identify with others, a concern with individuality, ambivalent feelings about their roles in life, or a desire for popular approval, so these options can be ruled out.

The word "intimate" in this context is best interpreted as "inexorably penetrating." This means that it deeply and inevitably affects or influences something or someone. It suggests a strong and profound impact that cannot be avoided or escaped.

The correct answer is "both were tormented by distracting disturbances." This can be inferred from the phrase "fellow victims" which suggests that both the speaker and the drunk were experiencing similar torment or disturbances that were causing them distress.

The speaker's attitude toward the jazz musicians is best described as one of profound admiration. This can be inferred from the use of the word "best" in the question, indicating that there is a high level of admiration. Additionally, the word "profound" suggests a deep and intense admiration for the musicians.

The speaker explains that the jazz musicians he knew as a boy attempted to become technical masters of their instruments, achieve individuality and virtuosity within their musical tradition, communicate their beliefs and attitudes in a positive manner through their performances, and combine their talents with others in extemporaneous group performances. However, they did not attempt to blend forms such as the slave song and the spiritual into carefully structured performances.

In the sentence beginning "There were times," the speaker employs concrete diction, parallel syntax, simile, and onomatopoeia to vividly describe the difficult experiences they have faced. However, the speaker does not use understatement in this sentence. Understatement is the act of deliberately minimizing or downplaying something, while in this sentence, the speaker is emphasizing the intensity of the times they are referring to.

The "delicate balance" achieved at jazz jam sessions is described in contrast to the situation in the speaker's neighborhood. This suggests that while the neighborhood may be chaotic or disorganized, the jazz jam sessions represent a harmonious and balanced environment. This contributes to the unity of the passage by highlighting the juxtaposition between the speaker's everyday life and the transformative power of music in creating a sense of unity and order.

The speaker's sympathy towards the drunk's obsession is ironic because the drunk was a major source of the noise that the speaker wanted to escape from. This suggests that the speaker's sympathy is misplaced, as the drunk's actions were causing a disturbance and hindering the speaker's writing. The irony lies in the fact that the speaker sympathizes with someone who is directly responsible for the very thing they are trying to avoid.

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The speaker mentions Beethoven's Fifth and Macbeth as examples of artistic compositions with compelling and unforgettable elements. This is because both Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and Shakespeare's play Macbeth are considered classic masterpieces that have stood the test of time. They are known for their powerful and memorable themes, melodies, and characters that continue to captivate audiences.

The speaker suggests that jazz musicians create order from the disorder of life through their art. This implies that jazz music has the ability to bring structure and coherence to the chaotic nature of existence. By creating rhythms, harmonies, and melodies, jazz musicians are able to transform the unpredictable and tumultuous aspects of life into a harmonious and organized form of expression. This suggests that jazz music has the power to provide a sense of order and meaning in an otherwise disorderly world.