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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 believes that America is which of the following?

2. What emotion is connected to the soul?

3. What is an asphodel?

4. How far away is the child's father?

5. How many packages are left on the cart?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the point of the poem? What is the poet's conclusion?

3. How should one behave in the giving and receiving of love? Where does this habit originate?

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

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

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

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

8. In what room in his apartment does the poet talk about his needs? What is his condition?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

William Carlos Williams says that HOWL is much like going through hell. Write a 750 word essay on Williams' opinion, relating it to each part of the poem. Also examine how other famous poems have used the same theme, concept and or imagery. Compare and contrast those poems to Ginsberg's Howl and other poetry.

Essay Topic 2

Compare communism, socialism and capitalism. Use examples of each to illustrate points including pros and cons as well as political and social ramifications. In your opinion which is best? Explain. Using Ginsberg's poetry as a starting point, what do you believe the poet's opinion was of each? Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 612 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample