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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through 24-28.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "Star-Spangled Man," Mencken argued that who, besides soldiers, should get medals?
(a) Murderers, thieves, and rapists.
(b) Dock workers and tugboat captains.
(c) Anyone hostile to the United States.
(d) Writers and intellectuals.

2. Which boat captain helped Mencken while in Cuba?
(a) Demetrio.
(b) Menocal.
(c) Ignacio.
(d) Leonhard.

3. How did Mencken describe the music of Bach?
(a) "Heaven upon a creamy macaroon."
(b) "Genesis I, I"
(c) "The Deaf leading the Equally-Deaf."
(d) "Silver macaroni, exquisitely tangled."

4. What must modern religions do to "escape absurdity"?
(a) They should accept a small element of agnosticism.
(b) They must disband immediately.
(c) They should encourage a much more relaxed church service.
(d) They must allow gay marriage.

5. According to Mencken, what was the Union fighting for in the Civil War?
(a) Against the notion of self-determinism.
(b) Profit.
(c) Self-governance.
(d) Freedom.

Short Answer Questions

1. What dominated Puritanism, according to Mencken in "The National Letters"?

2. What does Mencken make synonymous with democracy in "A Blind Spot"?

3. Why do "handsome men" deserve suspicion?

4. What did Mencken feel about "American thinking"?

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

(see the answer key)

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