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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. Why does Bukowski leave his bed when he collapses and vomits in front of the patients and staff?

2. Under what identity does Von Brashlitz hide Tanya's real function?

3. Why does Tanya refuse to prostitute herself out anymore?

4. Despite his talent, about what does Sanchez not particularly care?

5. Why do Bukowski's coworkers find him hard to work with in "Kid Stardust on the Porterhouse?"

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the purpose of the Satisfactory Help Agency?

2. Why does Bukowski blame himself for Cass's suicide?

3. For what reasons is Bukowski satisfied with being evicted at the end of "3 Women?"

4. Describe operations at Joe and Cherry's newspaper.

5. Describe Bukowski's relationship with Vicki.

6. Who is Kathy and what is her relationship to Bukowski?

7. How does Bukowski find Gloria Westhaven?

8. Why do Sanchez and Kaakaa take Bukowski in during "Ten Jack-offs?"

9. How does Henry survive after killing Sarah with a hat pin?

10. What are Bukowski's feelings about the women at the race track in "Non-Horseshit Horse Advice; and Another Horse Story?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What role does gambling play in Bukowski's stories? For what reasons does he view gambling as a chance to continually begin again? Why is it significant that he references betting on horses in many of his stories? How does he connect sex to gambling? How is this related to Bukowski's motivations in life? Develop a clear thesis statement around which to build this essay and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Compose an essay about Bukowski's style of writing focusing on either his dialogue, his characterizations, or his ability to evoke a certain mood in a story. Be sure to develop a strong thesis statement around which the essay will be built. Discuss the technical aspects of his style and how it informs the rest of the story, as well as his ability to write himself into his own work. Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Bukowski's fixation on bodily functions in the following format:

Part 1) Sex with many different partners.

Part 2) His anal fixation.

Part 3) The effects of long-term whiskey consumption.

Part 4) Sarah's use of Henry from "Six Inches."

Part 5) The premature aging of the hard-living.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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