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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Bukowski attempt to read during oral sex in "My Big-Assed Mother?"
(a) The daily editorials.
(b) Racing form.
(c) Tito's fiction writing.
(d) Shakespeare.

2. According to Bukowski, he is twenty-nine years old in "My Big-Assed Mother," but looks what age?
(a) 50.
(b) 35.
(c) 40.
(d) 20.

3. Why does Talbot choose to not sleep with the prostitute?
(a) He is afraid that she will be too tired after being with the other two men.
(b) He grows fearful of catching a disease.
(c) He thinks the girl is too young.
(d) He loses his desire after Herb describes what he did to her.

4. What section of the hospital has Bukowski just left in "The Beginner?"
(a) Intensive Care.
(b) Charity Ward.
(c) Rehabilitation.
(d) Surgical.

5. What does Jeff do that incites a round of violence in "A Drinking Partner," shocking and disgusting Bukowski?
(a) Breaks a chair over a man's head.
(b) Pushes a nun onto a busy road.
(c) Shoves a pregnant woman down the stairs.
(d) Threatens to beat their waitress.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Henry Mason's occupation?

2. According to Mason, what sort of product must he push in order to make a profit in his business?

3. What does Blanchard tell the cops that results in the two officers reacting with violence?

4. After he is no longer in contact with Tito and Baby, what does Bukowski claim to appreciate from their encounter?

5. What business does Marie in "A Lovely Love Affair" run?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Herb and Talbot's relationship.

2. Describe the ironic encounter between Mason and the waiter at the end of "All the Great Writers."

3. Why does Bukowski decide to find a better girlfriend than Madge at the end of the story?

4. Why does Madge first take Bukowski to Hollywood Park?

5. What is significant about the condition of the stolen corpse in "The Copulating Mermaid of Venice, California" and how do Tony and Bill react to it?

6. What is significant about the prostitute's brother in "Trouble with a Battery?"

7. Describe Martin Blanchard.

8. What is significant about the U.S.S. Pueblo?

9. What happens when Bukowski decides to not correct the visitors' assumption that he himself is Andre?

10. What does Charlie leave Marie?

(see the answer keys)

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