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

2. What job does Bukowski attempt to get at the Farm Labor Market in "3 Women?"

3. How long have Bagley and Danforth worked together?

4. What happens to Bukowski in regard to his apartment at the end of "3 Women?"

5. In "25 Bums in Rags," how much money does Bukowski get paid for his day of work?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Bukowski's life with Linda in "3 Women."

2. Describe the events that lead up to Tanya's demise.

3. In "Another Horse Story," how does Bukowski reconcile his anger at being parodied in the magazine?

4. Describe Cass and Bukowski's first night together.

5. How does the marriage of Joe and Cherry reflect the problems with their newspaper?

6. What is Tanya's purpose, according to Von Brashlitz, and why does she rebel?

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

8. Describe Borst and his living situation.

9. Describe Bukowski's job and why he quits.

10. What are the conditions of the charity ward?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast "The Fiend" and "The Murder of Ramon Vasquez." What are some of the similar themes that Bukowski explores in each of these stories? Why is it significant that Blanchard of the former and Lincoln of the latter are very different from each other? How does this relate to Bukowski's disclaimer at the beginning of "The Murder of Ramon Vasquez?" Why does Bukowski find it important to explore these darker themes? How does Bukowski see both of these stories as a reflection upon society?

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 the role of beauty in "The Most Beautiful Woman in Town." What is significant about Cass's attractiveness and her attempts to deflect from it? What is important about her attraction to Bukowski? How does Bukowski feel about Cass? How does her suicide reflect the disconnect between appreciating her looks and detesting them all at once? How is Bukowski able to reconcile his opinions on attractiveness? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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