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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. According to Lessing, what do humans require?

2. In Russia and Czechoslovakia, people confessed to ridiculous crimes during __________.

3. Why do most people ignore the existence of brainwashing techniques?

4. During experiments, individuals have been shown to __________.

5. According to Lessing, governments become dangerous without ___________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Are all aspects of brainwashing intentional?

2. What types of organizations have studied or used brainwashing?

3. What type of ideas can be put into a subject's mind during the brainwashing process?

4. Why do most people believe they are not susceptible to brainwashing?

5. Why would a government or sect of any sort want to control its subjects through brainwashing?

6. During the Korean War, why were American soldiers confessing to crimes they had nothing to do with?

7. What was the literary community's reaction to Lessing's pseudonym experiment?

8. What was the Milgram experiment?

9. When it comes to commentators and critics, what breeds an air of familiarity with viewers?

10. Why do people fall victim to "inner censorship"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lessing believed that, throughout history, a group mentality has prevented people from standing up to thoughts and ideas that caused harm to others. Citing examples from the text, discuss the various moments throughout history where group mentality was dominant over reason. Include the following:

1) Hitler's regime.

2) The witch trials.

3) Religious sects.

Essay Topic 2

During the Korean War, U.S. soldiers were brainwashed into confessing crimes they did not commit. This began a government investigation into brainwashing. How might government knowledge of brainwashing affect society?

Essay Topic 3

In her early days in Rhodesia, Lessing joined the Communist party.

1) Why did she join this group?

2) What did she like and dislike about being a Communist?

3) What did she learn from the experience?

(see the answer keys)

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