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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. As section eighteen ends, Bukowski is listening to music on his radio from what country?

2. After the saleswoman leaves, Jack remembers that there are how many dead bodies in his house?

3. What is the name of the ex-miner friend Bukowski saves in section eighteen?

4. What is the name of Bukowski's friend at the beginning of section fifteen?

5. According to section twelve, revolution is all BUT WHICH of the following?

Short Essay Questions

1. In section fourteen, where are the bodies located in the house?

2. After leaving New York at the end of section six, what sentiments does Bukowski voice about the city?

3. Describe the circumstances Bukowski relates in section eighteen about his friend Lou's attempted suicide.

4. How does Bukowski react when his favorite fighter loses to Balanos in section seven?

5. Explain Jimmy Crispin's reasons for wanting to play baseball in section two.

6. During the discussion of John Bryan, what reason does Bukowski give for Bryan's termination from the Herald-Examiner?

7. Describe Bukowski's concerns about revolution as discussed in section twelve.

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

9. When discussing the origin of the Open City newspaper, what challenges does Bukowski say that his friend John Bryan faced?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is Bukowski simply unlucky with women, or is he purposely unlucky? Develop a thesis arguing whether his repeated relationship failures are pure mishap or if he plans them that way. Include supporting information from the text.

Essay Topic 2

How does Bukowski feel about other members of his profession, and what personal qualities lead him to those opinions? Pick three of Bukowski's personal life tenets and discuss the ways in which other writers disappoint him in those areas. Include supporting information from the text.

Essay Topic 3

How do Bukowski's friendships affect him? Pick three of his friends in the book and compare and contrast the influence each has on his life. Be sure to include supporting information from the text.

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