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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Mencken's central critique for socialism?
(a) It does not go far enough to redistribute wealth.
(b) The U.S. refuses to embrace Bolshevik-style socialism, which is the only socialism which has worked.
(c) It is a noble idea, but it has not been instituted correctly.
(d) It is incompatible with the facts of history.

2. Where did Mencken meet Sister Aimee?
(a) An Indian retreat.
(b) The offices of the Baltimore Sun.
(c) The Los Angeles Basilica.
(d) The San Diego Zoo.

3. Mencken sees authors as divided into which two classes?
(a) Sly and Overt.
(b) English and Continental.
(c) Dramatic and Comedic.
(d) American and Foreign.

4. What two types of poetry does Mencken believe are the only viable ones?
(a) Musical poetry and poetry of false ideas.
(b) Musical poetry and poetry that rhymes.
(c) Poetry that tells a story and poetry that reveals essential truths.
(d) Poetry of false ideas and poetry that tells a story.

5. What is the BEST term to use for Mencken's characterization of American millionaires?
(a) Aristocrats.
(b) Exciting.
(c) Idiots.
(d) Saints.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Chapter 16, which political system is responsible for the majority of civilization as we know it?

2. Which is NOT one of the benefits Mencken sees should America put into place his ideas in "Utopian Flights"?

3. Writers "who cannot write" write in what style?

4. Why does Mencken criticize the American Medical Association?

5. Which contemporary author does Mencken compare to Edgar Allan Poe because of his taste for the macabre?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mencken believe about chiropractors?

2. What is Mencken's belief about American millionaires?

3. What opinion does Mencken render about a) Mary Baker G. Eddy and Christian Science, and b) the doctrine of theosophy?

4. What does Mencken feel is the contemporary state of psychology? How does he feel about Freudianism?

5. Summarize Mencken's account of a Jack Dempsey boxing match.

6. How does Mencken compare socialism to capitalism? Include the Bolshevik Revolution in your response.

7. In Chapter 19, Mencken discusses science. Discuss his views of a) the scientific hypothesis, b) Charles Darwin, and c) Mr. Ayres' and his philosophy.

8. What is Mencken's own philosophy of psychology? What does he feel forms the basis of human psychology?

9. What memorable position does Mencken take on opera?

10. In "Utopian Flights," how does Mencken suggest that legislators be chosen? What benefits would this method have, in his opinion?

(see the answer keys)

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