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

2. When covering political stories, how does Thompson generally feel around large groups of unconnected people who cannot mix well?

3. Why is Thompson angry during "June?"

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

5. What is significant about the residents of the retirement home the candidates visit in "May?"

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. In "June," what does Thompson say about lifting material from his past work to incorporate into his newer work?

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

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

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

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

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

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 did Eagleton undermine McGovern on the campaign trail? Why is it significant that he repressed his medical records? How did this make McGovern look to the public and why? How did McGovern's failure to act quickly ruin some of his credibility? How does Thompson note that all of these problems could have been avoided with honesty from the beginning? In what ways does this situation mark the end of McGovern's presidential aspirations?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Hunter S. Thompson's sense of being socially awkward around the other journalists in the following format:

Part 1) His employer.

Part 2) His drug use.

Part 3) His attire and roots.

Part 4) His attitudes about other politicians.

Part 5) His relationships with the other journalists.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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