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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. Which of his possessions does Henry tell Jan to keep?

2. Why does Henry think he has turned into a fag?

3. What nickname does Jan give Henry in this section?

4. What excites Henry about Jan?

5. What is Henry's position at the Graphic Cherub Art Supply?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Henry's excuse for walking funny?

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

3. What are the perks of Henry's new job?

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

5. How do Henry's glowing pants change his mindset and eventually his life situation?

6. How do Henry and Jan start living their lives after Henry is sacked?

7. Describe Mary Lou.

8. What is Janeway Smithson's role at the Yellow Cab Company?

9. How does Jan react to Henry's reappearance in section nine?

10. How did Henry lose his favorite job working for the Red Cross?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss elements of the narrative structure: exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the book's themes?

Essay Topic 2

Identify the main themes of the story. In what way are these themes relevant to the period? How does the author use character and setting to express these themes?

Essay Topic 3

What is the American dream? What does FACTOTUM say about the American dream? What is Bukowski's opinion of the American dream?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 723 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample