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

3. What year does Bukowski say it is at the beginning of section eight?

4. In what year did Bukowski write the foreword?

5. What color is the car Neal nearly hits while driving in section four?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. At the end of section one, what explanation does Bukowski give for the fight with Elf?

3. Explain what Neal is doing when Bukowski meets him in section four.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How do Bukowski's friendships affect him? Pick three of his friends in the book and compare and contrast the influence each has on his life. Be sure to include 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.

(see the answer keys)

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