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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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.

2. Per Chapter 2, what kind of person has Mencken never met?
(a) A quack with a conscience.
(b) A metaphysician who was intellectually curious.
(c) A moral man that was honorable.
(d) An altruist who actually did good for anybody.

3. 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.

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

5. What aspect of Lincoln's historical persona does Mencken doubt, or at least question?
(a) His reputation for being a great orator.
(b) His adherence to Christianity.
(c) His status as an outsider and a "dark horse."
(d) His pragmatic, practical approach to political problems.

6. Which is NOT one of the features Mencken imagines for the Confederacy, had it survived the Civil War?
(a) It would be a more cultured place.
(b) It would be a wealthier place.
(c) It would have a strong aristocracy in place.
(d) It would never have abolished slavery.

7. Why might "reflective and skeptical men" refrain from suicide?
(a) For the great women in life.
(b) For the sense of humor in life.
(c) For the thrill of physical activity.
(d) For the good food in life.

8. What is Mencken's hope for democracy?
(a) It may lead to monarchy someday.
(b) Mencken has absolutely no hope for democracy.
(c) It is a self-limiting disease.
(d) It will finally deliver much-needed assistance to the poor.

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

10. What group of people has been "overestimated" throughout the course of human history?
(a) Egyptians.
(b) Greeks.
(c) Russians.
(d) Barbarians.

11. What is the relationship between free will and morality?
(a) Free will is the cause as well as the effect of morality.
(b) Free will has no relationship to morality.
(c) Free will creates several difficulties for morality.
(d) Free will and morality work hand in hand in a positive way.

12. What does Mencken believe about the concept of evil?
(a) Evil is real, and exists all around us.
(b) Evil is the reason why children are born.
(c) Evil is just another word for good; it's all relative.
(d) Evil is a made-up term, and does not really exist.

13. Who rules American culture, according to Chapter 10?
(a) Quacks such as chiropractors.
(b) The uncivilized mob.
(c) The learned aristocracy.
(d) Psychologists and doctors.

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

15. What effect has intermarriage had on the American South?
(a) It has infused the American South with the very best qualities of Western Europe.
(b) It has introduced culture such as art and literature into the American South.
(c) It has negatively blurred the lines between high class and low class.
(d) It has positively blurred the lines between high class and low class.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the "altruist" motivated by?

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

(see the answer keys)

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