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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. How many track police attempt to subdue the angry crowd on the track in section eight?

2. In what Italian city does section five take place?

3. While discussing John Bryan, Bukowski mentions that he originally worked for which publication?

4. Toward the end of section four, the babysitter keeps comparing Bukowski to which famous writer?

5. What does Bukowski's friend carry in an elastic strap on his arm in section sixteen?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Moss and Anderson decide in the course of their discussion about the laws of nature in regard to mating practices?

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

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

4. Explain why Bukowski is tired of the bar scene in section sixteen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

What does the experience with J.C. suggest about Bukowski's view of God? Using supporting information from the text, write and defend a thesis explaining Bukowski's view of religion.

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