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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. For what reason does Senator McCarthy visit the factory workers in "May?"

2. What incident (with which he had no involvement) harms Thompson's reputation as a professional?

3. Fill in the blank: Journalists can only view ______ as being either worthy of respect or derision.

4. When covering political stories, how does Thompson generally feel around large groups of unconnected people who cannot mix well?

5. According to Thompson, in "Dark Interludes," what does McGovern do that shows his prowess as a politician?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the early days of the campaign trail, how does Thompson's demeanor and attire compare to the other journalists?

2. In what way is Thompson's place in the journalistic world an exercise in class-mixing?

3. How does Thompson discuss the progressively more open drug use amongst the journalists?

4. What are some ways that Thompson organizes this book?

5. How do Thompson and the other journalists deal with their boredom in "May"?

6. In "January, February, into March," how does Thompson try to fit in with the politicians and press?

7. At the beginning of "July," how does Thompson analyze Wallace's ease as a successful politician?

8. Where are some of the places the campaign visits in "May" and why?

9. What is significant about Hunter S. Thompson's description of himself?

10. How does Thompson explain the journalistic term "pitch?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is gonzo journalism? What are the main characteristics of this writing style? How is Hunter S. Thompson connected to this type of writing? In what ways is gonzo journalism demonstrated in "Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail '72?" What is the purpose of this style of journalism? How does this style help immerse the reader in the event that is being covered?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the difficulties faced by the Democratic party in this campaign in the following format:

Part 1) Vietnam War.

Part 2) John F. and Robert Kennedy.

Part 3) Eagleton's mental health history and resignation.

Part 4) Nixon's inner circle of people.

Part 5) The lack of unity amongst the candidates.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

How do the journalists begin to deal with their crippling boredom a few months into the campaign trail? How does this affect the drug use among the writers? Why does Thompson find himself amused and validated by their actions? What is the Zoo Plane? What are some of the activities that happen on the plane? Why do the writers become more hedonistic as the campaign falters? How does this reflect upon the journalists' dedication to their work?

(see the answer keys)

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