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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. In what city is the poem set?

2. Ginsberg's idea of the country could be related best to which of the following?

3. Who is out walking?

4. Ginsberg talks about his job in relation to which of the following?

5. What year was the poem written?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ginsberg's comment about immigrants and their treatment in America?

2. Where does Ginsberg work in this poem? What is his position? What are people waiting for?

3. How long will Ginsberg continue to work at Greyhound? What is his opinion of the wage and capitalism?

4. What are the setting and characters featured in the poem? What is the main activity?

5. What is at least one of Ginsberg's comments about the racks and baggage?

6. How does the theme affect each person? Where does it appear?

7. When was AN ASPHODEL written and what is the main theme of the poem?

8. What is one of the main things that Ginsberg opposes during this time?

9. What is the child's condition and outlook upon his surroundings?

10. What item catches Ginsberg's eye? Where is it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the political climate of the Northeast or, more specifically, in New Jersey post World War I. Also discuss how the war changed the social outlook of the people in Ginsberg's age range versus those of their parents. How were their views different? What was the general American opinion of World War I? Did Ginsberg agree or disagree with this opinion?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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