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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What level of recognition is finally granted to Thompson during "September?"
(a) He is finally made a member of the Presidential Press Corps.
(b) He is given an interview with McGovern.
(c) He is allowed to travel with the politicians themselves.
(d) He is given an award for his campaign coverage.

2. According to the author, in what ways can deceit be considered relatively harmless?
(a) When it is used to claim power.
(b) When it is used to undermine another person.
(c) When it is used to keep the peace.
(d) When it is used to calm the masses.

3. Despite medical issues, what is Thompson's main concern during November?
(a) He needs to have a meeting with McGovern.
(b) He needs to finish his work.
(c) He needs to go home.
(d) He needs to vote.

4. What two archetypes does Thompson use to further his comparison of two of the candidates to the Yin/Yang?
(a) The lion and the lamb.
(b) The prince and the pauper.
(c) The brute and the liar.
(d) The thief and the murderer.

5. According to those who approve of professional speech writers, what purpose do the writers serve for the politicians?
(a) The writers can catapult a politician to stardom with the right words.
(b) The writers control the campaign.
(c) The writers enhance the politician's performance.
(d) The writers are merely there to edit the speeches.

6. What is the name of the poem that ends "November Concluded?"
(a) "Ballad of the Skeletons."
(b) "A Dream Deferred."
(c) "Be Angry at the Sun."
(d) "Howl."

7. What is the date of election day in this book?
(a) November 4.
(b) November 7.
(c) November 6.
(d) November 5.

8. What is the tone of "October?"
(a) Gloomy.
(b) Optimistic.
(c) Excited and nervous.
(d) Fearful.

9. Why must Thompson strictly adhere to the schedule set forth by the Rolling Stone?
(a) He will be blacklisted if he does not.
(b) He owes the editors of Rolling Stone many favors.
(c) He has a book coming out from their press.
(d) His contractual agreements.

10. What does the author believe Americans want and need?
(a) Leaders who are representatives of America's reality.
(b) Leaders who have military experience.
(c) Leaders who will take power away from the public.
(d) Leaders who will take power away from the government.

11. According to Thompson, who fails to capture the public's attention because the people perceive a discrepancy between his perception and his reality?
(a) Frank Mankowiecz.
(b) George Wallace.
(c) Richard Nixon.
(d) George McGovern.

12. In his memory of a previous campaign, what does Thompson realize about the police officers?
(a) They were unhelpful during the demonstration.
(b) They were deceived about danger they were facing.
(c) They did not wish to hurt anyone.
(d) Some helped people while others hurt people.

13. In Thompson's own words, what does he initially admit to believing about Mankiewicz?
(a) Mankiewicz is a coward.
(b) Mankiewicz is a pansy.
(c) Mankiewicz is justified in his actions against the author.
(d) Mankiewicz is a gentleman.

14. According to Thompson, what unprecedented occurrence happens in October of 1972?
(a) Nixon became incredibly popular with the public.
(b) The hippies began to support Nixon.
(c) The Republicans and Democrats began to work together.
(d) The Democrats turned their back on McGovern.

15. In "September," what does Thompson name as being the real problem behind the shrinking middle class?
(a) Unfair wages.
(b) Public policy.
(c) Welfare.
(d) Sexism and racism in the workplace.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Thompson describe politicians who decide to become self-aware about the theatricality of their work?

2. How does Thompson describe the unity sought by the journalists who indulged in some of the more raucous behaviors?

3. What does the author believe occurs within Nixon's organization that helps to account for Nixon's success?

4. On the louder of the two planes in "November Continued," what does Thompson say is present?

5. Who does Thompson quote when he says, "Richard Nixon represents the dark side of the American spirit?"

(see the answer keys)

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