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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 5, Morals, Chapter 6, Crime and Punishment.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Mencken characterize a woman's level of civility?
(a) Women are much more civilized than men.
(b) Women have created their own civilization quite distinct from men.
(c) Women do not submit to civilization and must be coerced.
(d) Women are relatively uncivilized.

2. What does the "believer" type of person inevitably do?
(a) Thinks they are better than everyone.
(b) Annoys the company he or she is with.
(c) Betrays friends as well as lovers.
(d) Maintains a faith in the improbable.

3. What does Mencken believe about the universality of morality?
(a) Morality depends upon the language one speaks.
(b) Morality is specific to regions of the world.
(c) Morality is universal, and differences between moral systems are small.
(d) Morality is specific to a particular individual.

4. What does Mencken see as the problem with contemporary Protestantism?
(a) Protestants have forgotten the teachings of Jesus Christ.
(b) There are few, sensible, centrist Protestants left.
(c) All modern Protestants are wishy-washy centrists.
(d) Protestants suffer from a Jewish weakness for poetry.

5. What is the proper function of punishment for crimes?
(a) As a mere incentivizing device.
(b) As a deterrent only.
(c) As a deterrent, but also more.
(d) To create a sense of false dignity in society.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Mencken's belief about crime?

2. How does Mencken feel about the overall capacity for virtue in the human race?

3. What is the "altruist" motivated by?

4. In "female novels," how are males portrayed according to Mencken?

5. What is the consequence of someone believing in God, according to Mencken in Chapter 1?

(see the answer key)

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