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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. When Bukowski's friend witnessed a murder, what does he say the killers gave him to keep him quiet?

2. After vomiting several times, the narrator says he hears what on Sunset Blvd?

3. Upon arriving at L's house, Bukowski notes that there's a guitar worth how much money laying in the porch swing?

4. In response to the assassination, Bukowski says HE didn't murder all BUT WHICH of the following?

5. Which famous holiday newspaper cover did Bryan have a problem with when he was fired?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe what letter Bukowski finds in his mailbox when he arrives home at the end of section three.

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

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

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

6. In section nine, Bukowski has what to say in response to the assassinations of Kennedy, King, and Malcolm X?

7. What does Bukowski say after relating the rant from the sportscaster who wants to lock up the mad?

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

9. Describe the relationship between Marty and the little girl in section eleven.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In general, Bukowski writes autobiographically. Has he truly experienced everything he writes about? Or has he made a lot of it up? Write a persuasive essay arguing one way or the other, and be sure to include supporting information from the text.

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

Does Bukowski mean what he says in his foreword about not caring what his audience thinks of him? Does his repeated use of Henry/Hank suggest otherwise? In a well-developed essay, argue one way or the other. Use supporting information from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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