Hunter S. Thompson

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/hunter-s-thompson

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was Hunter S. Thompson born?July 18, 1937
2. Where was Hunter S. Thompson born?Louisville, Kentucky, USA
3. When did Hunter S. Thompson die?February 20, 2005 (age 67)
4. What is the career?Author, journalist, cultural critic, and political commentator
5. What is Gonzo journalism and why did Hunter S. Thompson create it?Gonzo journalism is a first‑person, subjective style where the writer is part of the story. Thompson made it because he felt regular reporting was too detached to show the chaos he saw.
6. Why is "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" famous?It was published in 1971 and mixes a wild drug adventure with sharp humor and social commentary. The book shows how Thompson used his own experiences to explore America’s dreams and disappointments.

Gonzo Journalism: A highly subjective and participatory style of journalism where the writer is an active participant and central figure in the narrative.
Subjectivity: Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions rather than facts.
Counterculture: A way of life and set of attitudes opposed to or at variance with the prevailing social norm.
Literary Nonfiction: Writing that uses literary styles and techniques to create compelling narratives about factual events.