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

2. In what measurement of time is this book organized?

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

4. For whom does Thompson harbor a strange affection?

5. According to Thompson, in "January," who beat Johnson in New Hampshire?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is gonzo journalism?

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

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

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

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

8. How do Thompson and the other journalists deal with their boredom in "May"?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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 the relationship between the American Dream and the middle-class in the following format:

Part 1) Define the American Dream.

Part 2) What is the relationship between the middle-class and the upper-class?

Part 3) How are the middle classes represented on the campaign trail, especially in regards to Thompson's presence?

Part 4) The shrinking middle-class.

Part 5) Public policy and the government.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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