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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Ginsberg, everything is _________.
(a) Creative.
(b) Pointless.
(c) Simple.
(d) Holy.

2. Ginsberg laments the loss of which of the following?
(a) Justice.
(b) Father.
(c) Rage.
(d) Power.

3. Which part of a person is referred to in the footnote?
(a) Head.
(b) Hands.
(c) Heart.
(d) Soul.

4. Which place is referred to in the poem?
(a) Lost America.
(b) Olympus.
(c) Thailand.
(d) Berkeley.

5. Ginsberg is suffering from which ailment?
(a) Headache.
(b) Sciatica.
(c) Sprained ankle.
(d) Cold.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is known as changing something to make it work for you?

2. What religion is practiced by Ginsberg?

3. Ginsberg believed in the spirit of _________.

4. The poet asks questions of whom?

5. Which adjective is the best to describe HOWL?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Ginsberg experience a great deal of confusion and distress during his adolescence?

2. According to Williams and Ginsberg, how is it possible for love to survive?

3. Which things mentioned in the beginning of the poem bring serenity to the author?

4. What does Ginsberg say about the quality of the soul? Where does it fit into the theme?

5. What were some of the issues of Ginsberg's generation?

6. What is Ginsberg's dream about being with Whitman in the store?

7. Name at least two themes used in SUNFLOWER SUTRA. How do you know?

8. What was involved in regard to some of the social and political action taken by Ginsberg's peers?

9. What is Ginsberg's first encounter with Whitman?

10. What is Ginsberg's opinion of Whitman? How does the younger poet view the older, more famous poet?

(see the answer keys)

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