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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. What does the Yellow Cab Company require as part of its application process?

2. What is the name of the dignified banker in this section?

3. What is Jan making when Henry is caught stealing?

4. What city does Henry travel to at the beginning of this section?

5. What city does Vera prostitute herself in?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the Yellow Cab Company sack Henry?

2. What does Smithson tell the men he will teach them?

3. Summarize the fifth section.

4. How does Henry break Pop's world record in the tenth section?

5. Why does Mr. Hansen fire Henry?

6. Describe Mary Lou.

7. What does Maurice tell Henry in the tenth section?

8. Who does Henry work with at the bicycle shop?

9. Describe Henry's job at the bicycle shop.

10. How does Henry lose his job at the auto brakes company?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the book's reception in three different countries including the country in which the book was written. How do their opinions about the books differ? Was the book more influential in one country than another? If so, why?

Essay Topic 2

Pick two characters from the book and discuss his or her goals and motives. Do they achieve their motives? Do they share similar goals and motives with other characters? Do their goals clash with other characters? How do the characters' goals and motives affect their interaction with each other?

Essay Topic 3

What are the main turning points of the book? How does Bukowski develop his story to get to each turning point? What happens to the story after a major turning point?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 702 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample