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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Bukowski began writing for Bryan's newspaper, who was the author of the piece reviewed?
(a) John Steinbeck.
(b) A.E. Hotchner.
(c) William Faulkner.
(d) F. Scott Fitzgerald.

2. As section eleven opens, Freddie tells his boss he hasn't been to work because he's building what scientific device?
(a) Kline bottle.
(b) Generator.
(c) Leyden jar.
(d) Tesla coil.

3. As section fourteen opens, what is the woman at the door selling?
(a) Ice cream.
(b) Sour cream.
(c) Flowers.
(d) Encyclopedias.

4. What is the name of Jack's daughter in section fourteen?
(a) Maria.
(b) Jane.
(c) Minnie.
(d) Becky.

5. Bukowski says in section twelve that he's on the side of what?
(a) Human spirit.
(b) Revolutionaries.
(c) Government.
(d) Artists.

Short Answer Questions

1. When asked when he last saw his father, which of the following years does Neal say?

2. Bukowski says, during the final baseball game, that the Blues are behind 10 to 0 by which inning?

3. In section eighteen, Bukowski tells the story of trying to save a man who attempted suicide by what method?

4. As section thirteen opens, the narrator says they were right when they said not to mix pills with what form of alcohol?

5. In section one, what item does the Filipino man guarding Bukowski's door have in his hand?

Short Essay Questions

1. Bukowski spends some time in the foreword detailing his thoughts about fame and reputation. Explain his sentiments.

2. What does Bukowski mean at the end of section five when he says, "who cares about a dead battery?"

3. At the end of section one, what explanation does Bukowski give for the fight with Elf?

4. When his friend Kerouac speaks out against homosexuals in section five, how does Bukowski respond?

5. Based on the foreword, describe the process by which this book came to be.

6. In section thirteen, what conclusions does the narrator draw about the life he's led?

7. In section sixteen, explain what event Red says he witnessed for which he was given a wallet to keep quiet.

8. As section fifteen begins, what early comment does Bukowski make about L that foreshadows his dislike of the man?

9. Why, according to section twelve, is Bukowski happy to be living in the age he is despite the chaos and corruption?

10. According to Bukowski, why does the crowd continue to bet on the races after the riot on the field in section eight?

(see the answer keys)

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