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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "The National Letters," what was the cause of all the "diseases" which afflict America?
(a) The presumption of guilt, rather than innocence, in legal matters.
(b) The lack of a proper diet.
(c) The lack of a stable aristocracy.
(d) Organized religion.

2. In "Gore in the Caribees," how was Jose Miguel captured?
(a) He was caught sleeping in a hammock.
(b) He was captured after a fierce battle in which he showed his courage.
(c) Jose Miguel was caught in bed with a prostitute.
(d) Jose Miguel was caught while making a terrorist bomb.

3. How was Theodore Dreiser like Joseph Conrad, according to Mencken?
(a) They both had a love of pirate adventures and the sea life.
(b) They both seemed to hate women.
(c) Both men shared an innate pessimism.
(d) Both men were inherently optimistic.

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

5. What is a man's usual response to beauty?
(a) Lust.
(b) Indifference.
(c) Highly-violent behavior.
(d) Romantic affection.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Mencken, what was the Union fighting for in the Civil War?

2. What famous speech did Ralph Waldo Emerson deliver in 1837?

3. What did Mencken wonder about Henry Cabot Lodge?

4. According to "The Incomparable Buzz-Saw," what is a woman's only power?

5. Which was NOT one of the reasons why a Christian wouldn't man cheat on his wife, according to "The Libertine"?

(see the answer key)

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