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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. What does Mencken believe is the proper focus of psychology?

2. What American book does Mencken call one of history's great masterpieces?

3. Which classical composer could not "write for the mob"?

4. What is "one of the most valuable human possessions" according to Mencken in Chapter 16?

5. What event does Mencken believe led to the European Renaissance?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mencken believe about chiropractors?

2. What should poetry ideally be, according to Mencken? What makes for a good poem? And how does taste in poetry reflect upon a person's qualities?

3. What is Mencken's opinion of Prohibition? What was its effect on society?

4. Why does Mencken make mention of Charles Joseph Bonaparte? Who was Bonaparte, and what was Mencken's opinion of him?

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

6. Why does Mencken criticize the American Medical Association? What is his opinion of doctors as a professional class?

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

8. Summarize Mencken's views on inspiration, as recounted in Chapter 25.

9. Why does Mencken make mention of Sister Aimee? Who was Sister Aimee, and what was Mencken's opinion of her?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Make the distinction between maxims, epigrams, and apothegms. How were these literary devices used by Mencken? How do they fit his tone and perspective as an author? What did Mencken accomplish with them?

2) Evaluate the following entry: "Q: If you find so much that is unworthy of reverence in the United States, then why do you live here? A: Why do men go to zoos?" How is this entry indicative of Mencken's tone as an author? How is it indicative of his worldview and general view of humanity?

Essay Topic 2

Summarize Mencken's views on women. Discuss each of the following topics:

a) Women's level of intelligence

b) Women's level of civility

c) The institution of marriage, and how it affects men and women

d) The role of beauty in man-woman relationships

e) The role of romantic love in man-woman relationships

Essay Topic 3

Choose five of the types of people Mencken discusses in Chapter 2 and discuss:

a) The manner in which Mencken describes them

b) What Mencken believes motivates each type of people

c) What the defining characteristics of each type of people are

(see the answer keys)

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