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

3. Who does the younger generation tend to vote like?

4. According to his anecdotes in "January, February, into March," why is Thompson never be able to fit in with the upper classes?

5. Who does Rubin claim will march down to the Convention Center in July?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is gonzo journalism?

4. In what way is Thompson's place in the journalistic world an exercise in class-mixing?

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

6. Describe the relationship between journalists and politicians.

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

8. What is significant about Eagleton's hiding his battles with depression?

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

10. Describe Thompson's initial relationships with the other writers.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

According to Thompson, why is the Chinese symbolism of Yin/Yang important to the 1972 election? How does he define "yin?" How does he define "yang?" How does he apply these concepts to McGovern and Nixon? In what ways does Thompson note that this is part of the pendulum swing in American politics? How is the public support of Nixon indicative of McGovern's policies in 1972?

(see the answer keys)

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