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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through 35-39.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "Travail," how did the boys going to school in the morning seem to Mencken?
(a) Energetic and hopeful.
(b) Upbeat and joyous.
(c) Tired and sad.
(d) Like they might someday conquer the world.

2. What do saints have in common with scientists?
(a) Both simply seek the truth.
(b) Both manipulate public opinion to advance their own position.
(c) Both unselfishly serve mankind.
(d) Both corrupt the truth to suit their best interests.

3. What profession should the truth-teller NOT aspire to, according to Mencken?
(a) A jewelry maker.
(b) The President of the United States.
(c) A bartender.
(d) Owner of a large company.

4. Which of the following could NOT be used to describe Mencken's tone in "Star-Spangled Man"?
(a) Hyperbolic.
(b) Sentimental.
(c) Tongue-in-cheek.
(d) Sarcastic.

5. What problem did Mencken have with Justice Holmes' final court case?
(a) Holmes delivered an hour-long, and completely unnecessary, speech when rendering his verdict.
(b) The case involved a tainted jury pool.
(c) The case violated the writ of Habeus Corpus.
(d) The case was a clear violation of freedom from double jeopardy.

Short Answer Questions

1. What must modern religions do to "escape absurdity"?

2. Why, according to Mencken, do virtuous people end up sinning the worst?

3. What was the subject of "A Good Man Gone Wrong"?

4. Why do "handsome men" deserve suspicion?

5. What was "The Art Eternal" according to Mencken?

(see the answer key)

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