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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 asked when he last saw his father, which of the following years does Neal say?

2. In section twelve, Bukowski says to avoid all BUT WHICH of the following authors?

3. When Neal is killed, which friend calls Bukowski to tell him?

4. In section eight, the official payoff of $5.40 means Bukowski will get $27.00 instead of what possible amount?

5. Bukowski says, during the final baseball game, that the Blues are behind 10 to 0 by which inning?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. In section eight, what does Bukowski have to say about philosophers?

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

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

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

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

10. Explain who saws off Jimmy Crispin's wings in section two, and why.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Overall, is Bukowski an optimist or a pessimist? Choose three situational examples from the text and decide whether he responds to each with the glass half-full or half-empty.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the wealthy man, Maxfield, and Stirkoff in sections 34, 35, and 36. How are these three men similar? What are they looking for in life? Use information from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss Bukowski's view of death based on his comments in the book. Be sure to include quotes and other necessary supporting information.

(see the answer keys)

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