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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. Where does Henry stab Sarah with the hat pin?

2. When he is interrogated about his column in Joe and Cherry's newspaper, what other charge is brought to Bukowski's attention?

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

4. What does Bukowski do with Cass on their first night together that surprises her?

5. According to Bukowski, what climbs higher with each race at the horse tracks?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the events that lead up to Tanya's demise.

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

3. What is Tanya's purpose, according to Von Brashlitz, and why does she rebel?

4. What are some of Sanchez's hobbies and talents in "Ten Jack-offs?"

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

6. Why is Cass drawn to Bukowski?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the themes of life and death in Bukowski's stories in the following format:

Part 1) Cass's suicide.

Part 2) Harry and his cigarettes.

Part 3) Tanya's "death."

Part 4) The body in "The Copulating Mermaid of Venice, California."

Part 5) The fates of Tito and Baby.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Compare and contrast "The Fiend" and "The Murder of Ramon Vasquez." What are some of the similar themes that Bukowski explores in each of these stories? Why is it significant that Blanchard of the former and Lincoln of the latter are very different from each other? How does this relate to Bukowski's disclaimer at the beginning of "The Murder of Ramon Vasquez?" Why does Bukowski find it important to explore these darker themes? How does Bukowski see both of these stories as a reflection upon society?

(see the answer keys)

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