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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 Bukowski do with Cass on their first night together that surprises her?

2. When Bukowski returns to town, what has Cass done to her body that upsets him?

3. How long have Bagley and Danforth worked together?

4. What is significant about the way Bukowski intends to prepare the titular "3 Chickens?"

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Describe Bukowski's experiences in delivering papers.

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

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

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

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

10. Why does Cass self-mutilate?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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?

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