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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 13, Statesmen, Chapter 14, American Immortals.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Who is the "ideal citizen of Christendom" according to Chapter 3?
(a) The hapless hero of a female novel.
(b) An emotionally cold woman.
(c) Young men full of passion.
(d) Young men drained of passion.

3. What does Mencken NOT believe about the possibility for morality to change over time?
(a) Morality was determined in ancient times, and has not changed.
(b) Different subsections of morality can grow over time.
(c) Morality can adopt new ideas, like Christian beliefs.
(d) Morality evolves and grows over time.

4. Why is the culture of the United States deficient, according to Chapter 10?
(a) The U.S. lacks a sound monetary policy.
(b) The U.S. lacks a civilized aristocracy.
(c) The U.S. lacks social programs for the poor.
(d) The U.S. lacks a healthy skepticism for so-called artists.

5. What is the "average man's" opinion of government?
(a) The government is a source of great good.
(b) The government is deceitful and contrary to his interests.
(c) The government is an unknown phenomenon the average man knows nothing about.
(d) The government is made up of people like him.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Mencken admire John D. Rockefeller?

2. Which is NOT one of the qualities Mencken ascribes to William Jennings Bryan?

3. At what event did Mencken first personally encounter William Jennings Bryan?

4. What is Mencken's belief about the concept of sin?

5. How did morality come to be, according to Mencken?

(see the answer key)

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