View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 9, Democracy, Chapter 10, Americans.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is Mencken unable to embrace democratic political theory, as he himself states it in Chapter 9?
(a) He is morally superior to democrats.
(b) He is not poor, and so cannot see democracy's benefits.
(c) He is incapable of being envious of others.
(d) He is simply too cultured and sophisticated.

2. In "female novels," how are males portrayed according to Mencken?
(a) As "charlatans."
(b) As "boobs."
(c) As "he-men."
(d) As "heartthrobs."

3. What is Mencken's belief about morality?
(a) Morality is reserved only for the aristocracy.
(b) Morality is a made-up concept that doesn't exist.
(c) Morality is necessary.
(d) Morality is unnecessary.

4. What "call" does Mencken make to America's poets in Chapter 7?
(a) He wishes them to write a funeral service for the damned.
(b) He wishes them to rewrite Ode to a Grecian Urn.
(c) He wishes them to burn all of their poems and drown themselves.
(d) He wishes them to speak upon the beauty of the female figure.

5. What does the "metaphysical" type of person inevitably do?
(a) Tips their hat for no reason.
(b) Begs for spare change.
(c) Demands to know what you mean, even when it is obvious.
(d) Becomes paralyzed with fear over the enormity of the universe.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Mencken's opinion of the belief that man has a soul, according to Chapter 1?

2. What does Mencken believe about the concept of evil?

3. Privately, politicians are what kind of people?

4. What is the relationship between free will and morality?

5. What does Mencken NOT believe about the possibility for morality to change over time?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 405 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample