View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What one thing did Mencken feel was useful from the contributions of Sigmund Freud?
(a) The notion that dreams could reveal aspects of our everyday lives.
(b) The notion that lying stemmed from an unconscious place.
(c) The notion that people could be easily hypnotized.
(d) The notion that "mother issues" were deeply-seated.

2. Why might the Anglo-Saxon race have entered into the Spanish-American war, according to Mencken?
(a) It was a war they were sure to win.
(b) They were courageous and foolhardy.
(c) They knew they could seize the Spanish crown.
(d) The war protected vital interests in the Caribbean.

3. What criticism did Dr. William Bayard Hale have for Woodrow Wilson?
(a) As an orator, Wilson was dull, and focuses too much on foreign policy.
(b) Wilson had the gall to pardon Eugene Debs.
(c) Wilson was more interested in tea parties and social functions than policy discussions.
(d) His rhetoric was lofty, but ultimately empty of substance.

4. What stance can Mencken be said to have taken in "Star-Spangled Man"?
(a) Pro-gun.
(b) Anti-war.
(c) Pro-life.
(d) Anti-establishment.

5. In "Pater Patriae," which was NOT one of the reasons Mencken admired George Washington?
(a) He was not convinced of the wisdom of common people.
(b) He was tough-living, and whiskey-drinking.
(c) He could cuss up a storm.
(d) He put his trust and authority in intellectuals and lawyers.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Mencken state about the literary influence(s) of Theodore Dreiser?

2. According to Mencken, what was Christianity's history with lying?

3. What did Mencken, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, feel about the tradition of giving medals in the military?

4. What quotation did Mencken borrow from Theodore Dreiser in "Cavia Cobaya"?

5. According to "The Skeptic," what do women always bear?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 456 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample