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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. What is one of the main complaints about the job?

2. What kind of transportation line is Greyhound?

3. Ginsberg had an ambition to become which of the following?

4. What are the people waiting for?

5. What has sacrificed itself?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is one of the main themes in this poem? To what does Ginsberg compare the flower?

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

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

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

5. What path of thought does the item inspire?

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

7. What is the burden one must carry? How should one react to this burden?

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

9. What is the poet's feeling about physical passion and the enjoyment of it?

10. Aside from housing personal baggage, what does Ginsberg believe is the purpose of the racks?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ginsberg refers to Carl Solomon's stint in a mental institution. Examine Ginsberg's tales. Do you think they are true or false? Why? Compare and contrast today's institutions with ones commonly found in the 1950s. Discuss different treatments, effectiveness, facilities, etc. Also discuss the common use of shock treatments as a method of curing insanity.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

In BACK OF THE REAL Ginsberg mentions Jesus and the crown of thorns. Why did Ginsberg choose this particular symbol? Give examples off types of symbolism used in this poem. How does Ginsberg use the crown of thorns as a metaphor? What does the metaphor represents Are there other flowers are plants that might have worked better than the crown of thorns? Does the juxtaposition used help or hinder the poem? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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