View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Ginsberg what is related to "quiet beauty?"

2. What is the man's first name?

3. What became Ginsberg's most famous poem?

4. If people are not careful they will end up experiencing which one of the following?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the purpose of the vision? Does Ginsberg understand this purpose?

2. What were some of the things the people of Ginsberg's generation did to try and ease the pain of youth?

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

4. What is the overall theme mentioned in the footnote? What is the poet's meaning?

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

6. How does the poet speak about the people of his generation?

7. What types of people are noticed by Ginsberg inside the supermarket?

8. According to Ginsberg, what are some of the things that keep America interesting?

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

10. Discuss Ginsberg's view of creative people who had to go to work in order to survive.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ginsberg discusses the mechanics of industry in the 1950s. How did the Industrial Revolution effect the environment compared to previous ways of manufacture? What might the environment be like 50 years from now? 100 years from now? Create a short list of modern advancements in industrial procedures. Explain their purpose and use. How will these advancements incur change? Will the change be for better or for worse?

Essay Topic 2

Ginsberg speaks about workers on Madison Avenue in Manhattan. Compare and contrast the life of a freelance artist with one who works a 9-to-5 job. Do the same with a freelance writer or poet. Is one job more creative than the other? What are the pros and cons of each? Do you think the 9-to-5ers have sold out by taking jobs in advertising? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

In the poem WILD ORPHAN Ginsberg discusses the life of an orphan. What are common fantasies and misconceptions about orphans? How do those compare to the reality? Use examples all of orphans as they are portrayed in movies and literature. How accurate are the portrayals? What is the difference between an orphanage and foster care? What are the criteria for each? Compare and contrast orphanages in the 1950s to today.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 672 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample