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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 13, Statesmen, Chapter 14, American Immortals.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Mencken's opinion of the belief that man has a soul, according to Chapter 1?
(a) The notion of a soul is humanity's one bright spot.
(b) The notion of a soul has led to unprecedented successes in philosophy and elsewhere.
(c) The notion of a soul is simple, but still very relevant today.
(d) The notion of a soul has failed to result in more people acting like God.

2. In Chapter 7, Mencken notes that there are too few books written about what subject?
(a) Death.
(b) True crime.
(c) Women.
(d) Taxes.

3. What is Man's one unique characteristic, per Chapter 1?
(a) Imagination.
(b) The ability to betray.
(c) Optimism.
(d) Romantic feeling.

4. How does Mencken characterize a woman's level of civility?
(a) Women do not submit to civilization and must be coerced.
(b) Women are relatively uncivilized.
(c) Women have created their own civilization quite distinct from men.
(d) Women are much more civilized than men.

5. What is the purpose of monogamy, according to Mencken?
(a) Marriage serves to kill and restrain passion.
(b) Marriage serves to emphasize romantic love.
(c) Marriage serves to enhance and legitimize passion.
(d) Marriage serves to protect society from itself.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Mencken's hope for democracy?

2. Which politician does Mencken refer to as "a good man in a bad trade"?

3. How would George Washington fare in today's political climate?

4. What "call" does Mencken make to America's poets in Chapter 7?

5. What is the "altruist" motivated by?

(see the answer key)

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