4
AssignmentMultiple Choice

Introduction to the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights Movement

Question 4 • Hopkins FA American Literature (2026-2027)

What does the paradox of the tom-tom imply about jazz music?

Answer
A
Jazz is not respected by White listeners.
B
Jazz’s smile contains pain and joy.
C
Jazz brings suffering to those who smile.

Explanation

The paradox of the tom-tom presents jazz as expressing two opposing feelings at once: sorrow and happiness. Its “smile” therefore suggests both pain and joy, rather than implying that jazz is unrespected or that smiling itself causes suffering. The correct choice is “Jazz’s smile contains pain and joy.”

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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