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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. What does Thompson say they must get before they can leave for Las Vegas?

2. How does Thompson fend off the lawyer in their hotel room in Part 1, Chapter 7?

3. When are Thompson and the lawyer at the track at the beginning of Part 1, Chapter 5?

4. On what is Thompson and the lawyer getting high before they leave for Las Vegas?

5. What happens to the clerk’s face at the first hotel when Thompson is talking to her in Part 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Thompson feeling so overwhelmed at the thought of leaving Las Vegas in Part I, Chapter 11?

2. Where is Thompson’s lawyer when Thompson decides to leave Las Vegas in Part I, Chapter 9, and what does the lawyer leave with Thompson?

3. What is the thought that finally spurs Thompson to leave Las Vegas in Part I, Chapter 11?

4. What is waiting for Thompson at Hotel Flamingo in Part I, Chapter 10, and what does Thompson decide to do about the telegram he receives?

5. Why and how does the hitchhiker leave the car that the attorney is driving?

6. What worries Thompson about his and his attorney’s behavior in front of the hitchhiker, and what does Thompson decide to do about it?

7. Why is Hunter Thompson going to Las Vegas at the beginning of the book?

8. What was the result of Thompson’s encounter with the person in his story about the effects of long-term drug use?

9. What happens to the attorney on the way to the racetrack in Part 1, and what does Thompson do about it?

10. How does Thompson get started on his journey to Las Vegas?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are numerous references that Thompson makes to the American Dream. Two are: Thompson begins a fairly lucid explanation for their trip through the desert. He and his attorney, Thompson says, are in search of the American Dream. Thompson and his attorney sit in the bar of the Circus-Circus, the attorney begins to complain of a drug-induced paranoia that is slowly taking hold of him. Thompson attempts to combat this by telling his companion that they are sitting in the "vortex of the American dream."

Define the American Dream according to Thompson. What does it encompass? Why is he looking for it? Is it real? Do you think he finds it by the end of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas? Use at least three examples of places in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas when Thompson mentions the American Dream.

Essay Topic 2

Many readers place themselves in the position of one person in a book, wondering if they would do the same thing as that person. Discuss the following:

Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not? Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas help a reader to know him/herself?

Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas? Why or why not. Use examples from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

Trace and analyze the theme of morality in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Consider the following questions as you write: Examine which individuals are most concerned with morals and about what their concern is centered. What are some symbols of morality? Discuss the individuals who see themselves as moral or immoral. Would you judge the two main individuals as moral or immoral and why? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Trace and analyze the theme of satisfaction with one’s life in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Which individuals struggle with this issue? Why? Which individuals seem to be satisfied with their life and which are not? Why? How might dissatisfaction with one’s life motivate men such as Thompson and the attorney to use drugs and abuse people? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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