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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. With regard to horse racing, what does Bukowski call himself?

2. In "Life in a Texas Whorehouse," what is Bukowski's original destination upon leaving Los Angeles?

3. How does Sarah shrink Henry?

4. What is mandatory in Bukowski's story about the twelve flying monkeys?

5. For how long does Bukowski leave town in "The Most Beautiful Woman in Town?"

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What are the "3 Chickens" and what purpose do they serve in this story?

3. In "Twelve Flying Monkeys Who Won't Copulate Properly," what conclusions does Bukowski draw about his lifestyle as a writer?

4. Of what is Henry warned and how are these warnings dismissed in "Six Inches?"

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

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

7. What are the conditions of the charity ward?

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

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

10. Why does Bukowski buy cigarettes for Harry in "Life and Death in the Charity Ward?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the themes of hypocrisy and superiority in "Life in a Texas Whorehouse." Develop a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text. Be sure to consider (though not exclusively) Bukowski's search for Gloria and her reactions to his efforts, the woman who lies about being Gloria, and the irony of his stay in the brothel. If necessary, reference some of his other stories that deal with similar themes, such as "The Fuck Machine" and "A Drinking Partner."

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the depictions of abusive relationships in the following format:

Part 1) Tanya and Von Brashlitz.

Part 2) Vicki and Bukowski.

Part 3) Tony and Bill taking advantage of the dead woman's body.

Part 4) Infidelity, as seen in "3 Women" and "Trouble with a Battery."

Part 5) Henry and Sarah from "Six Inches."

Develop a clear thesis statement on this subject and cite specific examples from the text to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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