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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. In what state does Thompson frequently find himself during social settings involving politicians and journalists?

2. After learning the mechanics of the campaign trail, how does Thompson find his travels?

3. In Thompson's estimation, in "Dark Interlude," what is the real problem with political conflicts?

4. What is unusual about Thompson's description of himself in the Introduction?

5. Why is Rosey Grier not allowed to deal with Rubin's harassment on the train?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Thompson say about his toenails, and why is it important?

2. How does Thompson use his varied experiences as a writer to draw random connections about the journalists in "June?"

3. How do the factory workers react to Senator McCarthy?

4. What are some ways that Thompson organizes this book?

5. In the early days of the campaign trail, how does Thompson's demeanor and attire compare to the other journalists?

6. How does Jerry Rubin tarnish Thompson's reputation?

7. In the Introduction, how does Thompson explain his drug use?

8. How does Thompson describe the feeling for a politician when hearing a particular song in the Nebraska primary?

9. What is gonzo journalism?

10. How do Thompson and the other journalists deal with their boredom in "May"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is significant about Jerry Rubin boarding Muskie's train with Thompson's credentials? How does Rubin behave and how does this reflect on Thompson? Despite his actions, what valid points do Rubin and his colleague bring up during Muskie's final speech? How does this ultimately discredit Muskie as a presidential candidate? What is the purpose of the promise of bringing ten thousand naked hippies to peacefully protest and demonstrate during a convention in Florida? How is this indicative of the changing political climate in America?

Essay Topic 2

How does Hunter S. Thompson feel about politicians? How do politicians generally feel about Thompson? In what way is Thompson's outsider status as a writer for the counter-culture immediately setting him up as an adversary to all politicians? How does this affect his relationship to the Muskie campaign, as well as the McGovern campaign? Why does Frank Mankiewicz attack Thompson? How does all of this figure into Thompson's later declaration that he is going to run for the Senate?

Essay Topic 3

In what ways are Hunter S. Thompson's encounters throughout this book indicative of the class struggles in America in 1972? How is Thompson regarded in terms of class? How does this affect his writing? In what ways are these class struggles particularly apparent in the meet-and-greets with different constituents?

(see the answer keys)

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