View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through 10-14.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What organization did Mencken's father force him to join at age fourteen?
(a) Y.M.C.A.
(b) The Junior Achievement League.
(c) The Baptist Church.
(d) The Boy Scouts of America.

2. 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.

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

4. What was the name of H. L. Mencken's brother?
(a) Mitch.
(b) Bud.
(c) Jesse.
(d) Charlie.

5. Why was Theodore Dreiser compared to Franz Schubert by Mencken?
(a) Dreiser and Schubert didn't know the theory of their arts, but nonetheless they produce valuable work.
(b) Dreiser and Schubert both created work that is "lighter than air."
(c) Dreiser and Schubert used whimsy, irony, and a sense of silliness.
(d) Dreiser and Schubert exhibited an uncommon and sometimes perverse imagination.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "The Baltimore of the Eighties," why does Mencken's mother lament about a trip to the market?

2. What do saints have in common with scientists?

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

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

5. In "Recollections of Notable Cops," why does Mencken find the idea of a police academy remarkable?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 370 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample