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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 the narrator do with the sex model Von Brashlitz sends him at the end of the story?

2. At the beginning of "3 Women," what happens to the tenant upstairs?

3. Which of the following does Bukowski not have sex with in "3 Women?"

4. What does Danforth allow Bagley to do to him while in the car?

5. While publishing the story about Bukowski's search for Gloria Westhaven, what is the mode of transportation changed to for purposes of classing up the story?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Cass drawn to Bukowski?

2. Describe Bukowski's relationship with Vicki.

3. Why does Cass self-mutilate?

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. How does Danforth take advantage of Bagley after the latter is run through the machine in their office?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

In what ways does Bukowski connect homosexuality with success? What is significant about his respect for the people who are openly homosexual? Despite this, what is Bukowski's own relationship with homosexuality? Why does it seem to make him uncomfortable? Consider how this is reflected in the following stories: "The Gut-Wringing Machine," "The Day We Talked About James Thurber," and "The Murder of Ramon Vasquez."

Essay Topic 3

What are Bukowski's opinions on politics and world events? How is this related to his views of the world and society (particularly his statement at the beginning of "The Murder of Ramon Vasquez")? What does he believe about the world leaders and the people who follow them? What is significant about him depicting a world in which Hitler could take power again and no one would notice? How is this related to his beliefs in how he needs to live his own life?

(see the answer keys)

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