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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. Why does Thompson believe the journalists are turning to drugs?

2. At the end of "June," why does Thompson compare the journalists to a particularly notorious group?

3. Whom does Thompson describe as being less of a hand-shaker and more of an actor with his constituents?

4. For what is Jerry Rubin known?

5. What does Thompson posit as being the source of his toenail anxiety?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What is significant about the rumored "ten thousand naked hippies?"

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

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

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

9. What are some characteristics of Thompson's writing?

10. How does Thompson discuss the progressively more open drug use amongst the journalists?

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

Compare and contrast the Dakota Queen II and the Zoo Plane. How do the differences between the atmospheres of these two airplanes indicate that the end of the campaign is near? In what ways do their atmospheres signify the general mood of the campaign trail? Why do the journalists indulge as much as they do on the Zoo Plane? Why are all political personnel barred from flying on the Zoo Plane?

(see the answer keys)

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