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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. Ginsberg compares people to which of the following?

2. Which adjective best describes Ginsberg?

3. Which place is referred to in the poem?

4. Next to which product is the character seen?

5. The poet asks questions of whom?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ginsberg's take on people who may not be righteous?

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

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

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

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

6. What was Ginsberg's relationship to Carl Solomon?

7. What question does Ginsberg ask? To what can the sunflower be compared?

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

9. What is the setting for Sunflower Sutra? What do the men dream about in regards to the scene?

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

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

In HOWL, Ginsberg talks about sex, drugs, alcohol, etc. as a substitute for something missing in one's life. Examine this theory. Do you agree or disagree? What proof is there to support each side of the argument? What is the basis for addiction? Is there a cure? If so, what is it and how is it administered? What is the "cure" rate for alcoholics and drugs addicts? Is one ever cured?

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