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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to the editor, why were the 1930s Mencken's "downfall"?
(a) President FDR waged a battle of personal attacks against Mencken.
(b) Mencken spent most of the decade in Europe.
(c) The hardships in the country changed popular sentiment.
(d) Mencken's severe illness limited his output.

2. What moral choice faced Mencken and a cop on New Year's Day, in "Recollections of Notable Cops"?
(a) They learned about a corrupt policeman, and had to decide whether to turn the man in.
(b) A prostitute bribed the policeman.
(c) A man clearly beat his wife, but could not be technically arrested.
(d) A dead man was found with a large sum of money in his pocket.

3. 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 put his trust and authority in intellectuals and lawyers.
(c) He could cuss up a storm.
(d) He was tough-living, and whiskey-drinking.

4. Who is the editor of this volume?
(a) William Jennings Bryan.
(b) Alfred Knopf.
(c) Alistair Cooke.
(d) H. L. Mencken.

5. What do saints have in common with scientists?
(a) Both manipulate public opinion to advance their own position.
(b) Both corrupt the truth to suit their best interests.
(c) Both simply seek the truth.
(d) Both unselfishly serve mankind.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who was the president of Cuba when Mencken visited the country in "Gore in the Caribees"?

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

3. Which was NOT a source of terrible smell in the Baltimore of the 1880s, according to Mencken?

4. According to Mencken, what kind of books did Theodore Dreiser produce?

5. What one thing did Mencken feel was useful from the contributions of Sigmund Freud?

(see the answer key)

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