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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. From which publication does Bukowski mention that Bryan was fired?

2. As section five opens, how old does Bukowski say Kerouac is?

3. After relating the rant from the sportscaster, Bukowski says that _____ out of 60 men on the street are cuckoo.

4. What is the name of the beautiful woman that Bugsy probably uses to distract J.C. while cutting off his wings?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why, in section fourteen, does Jack finally call the police and report himself as a murderer?

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

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

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

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

6. How does Henry respond to his ailment in section seventeen?

7. How does Bukowski react when his favorite fighter loses to Balanos in section seven?

8. Bukowski spends some time in the foreword detailing his thoughts about fame and reputation. Explain his sentiments.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is Bukowski's true opinion of women? Pick three of the women from the book with whom he interacts and build a thesis based on his treatment of those three women. Include supporting information from the text.

Essay Topic 2

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 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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