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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 did the person Thompson mentioned when talking about the long term effects of drug use do when Thompson asked him/her a question?

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

3. Where were Thompson and the lawyer when Thompson’s employer calls them in Part 1, Chapter 1?

4. What does Thompson do while he is waiting for his car to be brought to him in Part 1, Chapter 9?

5. In Part 1, Chapter 7, what does the lawyer pull out in the elevator?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where does Thompson and his lawyer go for a show after leaving the Mint 400, and what happens there? What do they do after that?

3. 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?

4. How is Thompson trying to leave Las Vegas at the beginning of Part I, Chapter 11?

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

6. Where does Thompson stop in Baker, California, and how is he feeling while he is there?

7. What do Thompson and his attorney do right before they leave for Las Vegas?

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

9. 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?

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

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

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action-driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

What do you think it means to say that a plot is character-driven or action-driven? Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why? Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character are developed to the same degree? Why or why not? What type of plot do you think Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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