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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. In section thirteen, the narrator has a post card where a professor states that the narrator is the best poet since which of the following?

2. When Bukowski goes to have his clothes cleaned in section six, what clothing item do the store owners sell him instead?

3. According to section nine, what is it that makes Reagan right and everyone else so wrong?

4. Toward the end of section three, Bukowski gets a letter from his ex-wife. Where does she live?

5. When asked to begin writing for Bryan's newspaper, Bukowski began with a review of what?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What does the narrator finally discover about dying at the end of section thirteen?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Bukowski's view of homosexuality with that of his friend Kerouac. Be sure to include quotes and supporting information from the text.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Is Yevonna actually mentally troubled, or is she merely "playing possum" because she's unhappy with Bukowski/Radowski? Develop a thesis and write a persuasive essay taking one view or the other. Be sure to include supporting information from the text.

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