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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 "May," what complaint do Thompson and other journalists have on the campaign trail?

2. Fill in the blank: Journalists can only view ______ as being either worthy of respect or derision.

3. At times during slow periods on the campaign trail, what do journalists find themselves resenting?

4. Why is Thompson angry during "June?"

5. How does Thompson assist a group of people in "January, February, into March" who informed him of their collective hatred for politicians?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Thompson believe about Southern attitudes, particularly in regards to politicians?

2. How does Thompson explain the journalistic term "pitch?"

3. What is significant about Hunter S. Thompson's description of himself?

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

5. Where are some of the places the campaign visits in "May" and why?

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

7. At the beginning of "July," how does Thompson analyze Wallace's ease as a successful politician?

8. Why do the consultants on the campaign think they need to involve Ted Kennedy?

9. Describe the relationship between journalists and politicians.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the presidential candidates in the following format. Be sure to mention how Thompson perceives each of these men and how he feels about them, as well as how they ran their campaign.

Part 1) George McGovern.

Part 2) Richard Nixon.

Part 3) Edmund Muskie.

Part 4) George Wallace.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Why is Hunter S. Thompson so compelling as a writer and a subject? In what way does he contribute to his own mystique, despite his honesty and brutal looks at himself? In what way does he exemplify his notions of "perception and reality?" Despite his rebellious ways, why is Thompson so readily accepted by the upper class? In what ways does Thompson resent his public image even as he contributes to it?

Essay Topic 3

How do the journalists begin to deal with their crippling boredom a few months into the campaign trail? How does this affect the drug use among the writers? Why does Thompson find himself amused and validated by their actions? What is the Zoo Plane? What are some of the activities that happen on the plane? Why do the writers become more hedonistic as the campaign falters? How does this reflect upon the journalists' dedication to their work?

(see the answer keys)

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