Serena Williams
Themes Found in Citizen
Writing Style
Emotion
Quotes
100

What Sport does Serena Williams play?

What is Tennis?

100

What is the main theme of Citizen: An American Lyric?

What is racism?

100

What point of view does Rankine use when she says “you”?

What is Second Person?

100

What emotion does Rankine write about the most?

What is Anger?

100

Finish the quote: “Everyone could see the balls were good, everyone, apparently, except ___.”

Who is Alves?

200

Who was Serena Williams' opponent in the 2004 US Open?

Who is Jennifer Capriati?

200

What word describes small, everyday acts of discrimination?

What are Microaggressions?

200

What other type of media does Rankine include along with her writing?

What are pictures or images?

200

What do people often feel after facing racism again and again?

What is exhaustion or sadness?

200

What does “the erasure of the self as systemic, as ordinary” mean?

What is Racism becomes so normal that people stop noticing it?

300

What year did Serena have her public outburst at the U.S. Open?

What is 2009?

300

Who faces discrimination in Rankine’s stories?

Who are Black Americans?

300

What effect does Rankine’s use of the word “you” have on readers?

It makes them feel part of the experience or included in the story.

300

What does “a low flame, a constant drip” describe?

What is ongoing frustration or pain? 

300

What does the “you” in Citizen represent?

Who are the readers or anyone who has experienced racism?