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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. To what is Sarah extremely opposed in "Six Inches?"

2. To what animal does Bukowski compare Cass's body?

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

4. What does Bukowski witness in Texas as a result of someone insulting the state?

5. How much money does Bukowski win at the end of "25 Bums in Rags?"

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Bukowski find Gloria Westhaven?

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

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

4. Why is Cass drawn to Bukowski?

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

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

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

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

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

10. Describe operations at Joe and Cherry's newspaper.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Bukowski write primarily about people who live on the outskirts of society? What does this suggest about his personal relationship to society? How is this reflected in stories such as "All the Great Writers" and "The Birth, Life, and Death of an Underground Newspaper?" What are some ways that Bukowski allows his writing to infuse poetry into places and people from whom it might not be ordinarily expected? How is this a reflection upon not only Bukowski's skills, but his views on society?

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

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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