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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. At the end of "Someday I'm Going to Write a Primer . . ." Chinaski declares his love to whom?

2. In "Sticks and Stones . . ." Chinaski responds to whom?

3. Where does the pretty girl live in "Late Late Late Poem"?

4. Where is Chinaski in "Longshot"?

5. Chinaski believes that the hopes and joys of life are inevitably lost due to _________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Chinaski's self-esteem.

2. What common theme runs through the poems "Practice," "My Buddy," John Edgar Webb," and "Love Poem to a Stripper"?

3. How does Chinaski focus on the hidden horrors of life?

4. What does Chinaski say about lost pleasure?

5. What is the message of "Trying to Make It"?

6. How does Bukowski build a sense of foreboding in "Invasion"?

7. Why does Chinaski think he has so many female critics?

8. In "Help Wanted," what does Chinaski fear?

9. Describe the theme of solitude present in "Party's Over," "No Nonsense," and "Escape."

10. Why is "An Ordinary Poem" significant in terms of defining Chinaski?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

An allegory is a literary device used to show that a part represents a whole. Describe the use of allegory in at least one of Bukowski's poems. Then explain why the use of allegory is effective or ineffective.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and give examples of Chinaski showing conceit toward age and youth.

Essay Topic 3

What role does Chinaski's father play in the poems? What effect does he have on Chinaski and why? Can you see ways in which he has influenced Chinaski?

(see the answer keys)

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