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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. What does Bukowski think of comic strips upon reading them?

2. What is the name of the man's daughter in One for Walter Lowenfels?

3. How does the boy respond to the old man in Night Streets of Madness?

4. What emotion does Bukowski feel within himself in A Rain of Women?

5. What does Bukowski wonder about himself in Notes on a Pest?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Bukowski think of sex in Purple as an Iris?

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

3. Describe the woman in One for Walter Lowenfels.

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

5. What is Bukowski's idea of justness in his society?

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

7. Why is the idea that every man can be a pest scary in Notes on the Pest?

8. What happens when Bukowski is discovered with Mary in Purple as an Iris?

9. Why does Bukowski usually avoid talking about literature, and what reminds him of of this in Beer and Poets and Talk?

10. Why does Bukowski cry after burning the blanket in The Blanket?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Notes on the Pest" focuses mainly on Bukowski's fans and his relationship with them. How would you describe his relationship with his fans, and how do you think his fans would describe it? You may use examples or evidence from other stories that describe his relationship with his fans.

Essay Topic 2

Insanity is a theme that runs throughout many stories in Tales of Ordinary Madness, but it is especially prominent in "Night Streets of Madness." How is insanity displayed in this story? Give at least two examples. What does Bukowski think of these insane actions? Which act of insanity is the worst in Bukwoski's opinion? Make sure you answer each question with evidence and support from the story.

Essay Topic 3

In Tales or Ordinary Madness, "A .45 to Pay the Rent" and "Doing Time with Public Enemy No. 1" are two different stories about men in some kind of prison. How is Bukowski different from Duke, personality-wise? How do they deal with their different trials in life, and who do you think handles their "imprisonment" better? Make sure you answer each question with evidence and support from the stories.

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