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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. According to Thompson, what group was responsible for settling the South?

2. Besides alcohol, what drug does Thompson readily admit to using regularly?

3. Despite, or perhaps, because of Thompson's own preferences, what in his writing identifies him as a trustworthy source of information and editorials?

4. In "April," which position does Thompson initially apply for?

5. Why is Thompson angry during "June?"

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. In "January, February, into March," how does Thompson try to fit in with the politicians and press?

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

5. Describe the different votes Thompson discusses in "January."

6. Why does Thompson encounter difficulty in becoming an official member of the press for the federal government?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss these governmental and political concepts Thompson writes about in the following format:

Part 1) The voting demographic.

Part 2) The pendulum swing of politics.

Part 3) The frequent meet-and-greets with the constituents.

Part 4) Honesty and dishonesty.

Part 5) Speech writers.

Part 6) Pitching for votes.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Thompson's experiences on the campaign trail and how he became burnt out on politics in the following format:

Part 1) Thompson's opinions on politicians and how he experienced the cogs of the machine.

Part 2) The drug use.

Part 3) Thompson's sense of displacement.

Part 4) Thompson's support of McGovern and McGovern's crippling loss.

Part 5) Nixon's re-election.

Part 6) Thompson's decision to become a sports writer.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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