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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why was Thompson almost arrested in Part 1?

2. What does Thompson say one should do if he is speeding and a police car turns on its lights behind you?

3. Why does Thompson decide to leave Las Vegas in Part 1, Chapter 9?

4. When are Thompson and the lawyer at the track at the beginning of Part 1, Chapter 5?

5. What color is the vehicle that Thompson and his lawyer are driving to Las Vegas?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Thompson and the lawyer attempt to check into the first hotel they stay at in Las Vegas?

2. How does Thompson get started on his journey to Las Vegas?

3. What does Thompson notice about other journalists at the Mint 400, and how does he feel about what he sees?

4. Where is Thompson’s lawyer when Thompson decides to leave Las Vegas in Part I, Chapter 9, and what does the lawyer leave with Thompson?

5. What does Thompson say he and his attorney must do to prepare for the trip to Las Vegas?

6. Where does Thompson stop in Baker, California, and how is he feeling while he is there?

7. How is Thompson trying to leave Las Vegas at the beginning of Part I, Chapter 11?

8. Why does Thompson decide to leave Las Vegas in Part I, Chapter 9?

9. What happens to the attorney on the way to the racetrack in Part 1, and what does Thompson do about it?

10. What bothers Thompson about the newspaper he is reading while waiting for his car to be brought to him in Part I, Chapter 9?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Thompson refers to himself as a "doctor of journalism," taking on a title that suggests authority. Also, without a doubt, within the field of gonzo journalism Thompson is an authority unto himself.

With research, define gonzo journalism and discuss reasons Thompson might consider himself a gonzo journalist. Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

People are an integral and important part of almost all literature. Discuss the following:

Compare/contrast the personalities and beliefs of Thompson and the attorney. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? What are their strengths and weaknesses? Are they people with or without any redeeming qualities? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 3

Often, authors will write about what they know, and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Hunter S. Thompson. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her books? Why or why not? Give examples. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Thompson's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Thompson's probable agenda concerning that idea.

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