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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 Flower Horse, what does Bukowski observe on the racetrack coupled with frivolity?

2. What does the neighbor in The Blanket do to the blanket?

3. What does Bukowski discuss with his friends in Beer and Poets and Talk?

4. In Night Streets of Madness, who does Bukowski think about having a conversation with?

5. What singer is Bukowski listening to in I Shot a Man in Reno?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Tina represent in One for Walter Lowenfels?

2. Why does Bukowski think that current poets and comic strips create their art the way they do?

3. What does the murder of Carol's zoo in Animal Crackers in My Soup represent?

4. How does Bukowski feel next to Jim in I Shot a Man in Reno?

5. In Flower Horse, what do the track and gambling represent?

6. What does Bukowski hallucinate, and what is it associated with in The Blanket?

7. Describe the woman in One for Walter Lowenfels.

8. How do the boys disrespect the memories of the hepcats in The Big Pot Game?

9. Why does Bukowski welcome death in A Popular Man?

10. What does Carol do for Gordon to help him in Animal Crackers in My Soup?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "I Shot a Man in Reno," runs into several people that cause him to be very self-critical. Why is Bukowski so self-critical? How do his own ideas of himself contrast with the ideas others have of him? Make sure you answer each question with evidence and support from the story.

Essay Topic 2

"Scenes from the Big Time" and "Nut Ward East of Hollywood" are both two very different stories that still share some similar themes. How do the characters from both stories exhibit animalistic behaviors? Which one is worse? How do you explain their behaviors, and do the characters know how much they exhibit the behavior and actions of animals? Make sure you answer each question with evidence and support from the stories.

Essay Topic 3

"Eyes Like the Sky" serves as something of a rant for Bukowski, and he complains about the state of comic strips and poets today. Describe what Bukowski thinks of current poetry and comic strips. Why does he have this opinion on these mediums? What does he see for the future of these mediums? Make sure you answer each question with evidence and support from the story.

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