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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 horse won the 6th race at the end of section eight?

2. From which publication does Bukowski mention that Bryan was fired?

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

4. Bukowski says in section eighteen that he last tried suicide in what year?

5. When Bukowski finds himself outside Yankee Stadium in section six, which former Yankee player does he mention as his boyhood hero?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. At the end of section four, what does Bukowski say he said to Neal when they first met?

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

5. In section ten, how does Moss convince Shareen to let them come over?

6. What begins the major argument between Bukowski and L in section fifteen?

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

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

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

10. Describe Henry's ailment in section seventeen.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Bukowski's time at the Olympic with his time at the race track. What lessons does he learn from each place? Include supporting information from the appropriate sections.

Essay Topic 2

Is Bukowski a Republican or a Democrat? Based on his stated political views, decide which party he most easily fits and write a persuasive essay categorizing him that way. Be sure to use quotes and other supporting information from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Pick one of the statements from section 22 and write an essay detailing three ways in which this statement can be seen in practice in Bukowski's life (or in the life of one of his characters). Be sure to include supporting information from the text.

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