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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through 40-44.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What was Mencken's criticism for Lincoln's Gettysburg Address?
(a) It was more poetry than logic.
(b) It was full of racist remarks and innuendo.
(c) It was a slap in the face to Southern Democrats.
(d) It was more about logistics and policy than stirring rhetoric.

2. Which of the following was NOT a name applied to William Jennings Bryan by Mencken?
(a) Charlatan.
(b) Yellow-bellied sapsucker.
(c) Mountebank.
(d) Fly-catcher.

3. What did Mencken, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, feel about the tradition of giving medals in the military?
(a) Medals should be given only at the conclusion of career service.
(b) Medals should be given on a daily basis, because every day soldiers sacrifice.
(c) Medals should be given to common soldiers, and not just generals.
(d) Medals should be reserved just for generals, as the "idea men" of the military.

4. What was "The Art Eternal" according to Mencken?
(a) Literature.
(b) Lying.
(c) Portrait painting.
(d) Prostitution.

5. What did Gene the magistrate do with respect to an old man in his court accused of wife beating?
(a) Gene threatened the man with made-up punishments to get him to reform.
(b) Gene put him in jail for two years.
(c) Gene applauded the man for keeping his wife well-behaved.
(d) Gene had the court bailiff beat the man, just as he had beat his wife.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was Mencken's opinion of Gothic architecture?

2. Which is the best style of architecture, according to Mencken?

3. In "The National Letters," what was the cause of all the "diseases" which afflict America?

4. What, according to Mencken, is "The Incomparable Buzz-Saw"?

5. Which was NOT a feature of the ideal aristocracy, according to Mencken?

(see the answer key)

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