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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. People often attempted to deaden their ______________.

2. Some writers ended up where?

3. Ginsberg fantasizes about being a _____________.

4. Ginsberg is suffering from which ailment?

5. Who is seen by Ginsberg?

Short Essay Questions

1. What mystical reference is made by Ginsberg? Does Ginsberg want to keep it a secret?

2. What kind of experiences took place in HOWL? To what does Williams compare those experiences?

3. What is the main theme of the poem? Why is the theme important?

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

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

6. What can the reader expect when reading HOWL?

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

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

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

10. Do you think that Ginsberg is being realistic in regards to this concept? Is there anything negative in the holiness?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Many members of the Beat Generation seem to have a great fondness for locomotives and traveling. In Sunflower Sutra, Ginsberg and Kerouac relate locomotives to days gone by and an old America as well as to the lives of hobos and rail jumpers. Compare and contrast reality versus romance in regards to locomotives. Write about the imagery of locomotives in the US versus other countries. Include an analysis of how romance is tied to trains like the Oriental Express. What form of transportation has taken place of the locomotive?

Essay Topic 3

In the poem SONG Ginsberg writes about love as a burden as well as sorrow and joy, need and pain. What are Ginsberg's views on these topics? Explain the difference between platonic and erotic love. Use examples in Ginsberg's poetry to illustrate your opinions of each. How does love relate to hate? Write about love versus sex. What are the differences and similarities between the way men and women view each?

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