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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 is the name of Bagley and Danforth's business?

2. What does Bukowski believe has brought on his illness when he is brought to the hospital?

3. Where does Bukowski stay while he looks for Gloria Westhaven?

4. Why does Bukowski quit his job at the meat-packing plant?

5. Who is Sanchez?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Bukowski's experiences in delivering papers.

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

3. Describe Bukowski's relationship with Vicki.

4. Why does Bukowski throw away the newspaper clippings at the end of "Life in a Texas Whorehouse?"

5. Describe Borst and his living situation.

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

7. How does Bukowski find Gloria Westhaven?

8. Who is Kid Stardust and what is his purpose?

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

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

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

In what ways do many of these stories deal a person's tendency towards self-destruction? How does Bukowski cast himself in many of these roles (in particular, in "25 Bums in Rags")? What are some of the common traits of those who cannot keep their lives together? How are characters such as Cass, Vicky, and Jeff similar in this regard? How is this connected with suicide? What does this suggest about Bukowski's thoughts on his own self-destruction?

Essay Topic 3

What role does alcohol play in Bukowski's stories? Specifically, describe Bukowski's relationship with alcohol. In what ways does this inspire and stifle his creativity? What are some of the symptoms of his alcoholism? How does this affect his health and life? How does Bukowski himself feel about his reliance on alcohol? Does his alcohol inform his writing or impair? Why or why not? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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