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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 Bukowski stay while he looks for Gloria Westhaven?

2. What does Bukowski buy for Harry?

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

4. For whom does Sanchez's lover name herself?

5. According to the police, what must Vicki do at the end of "3 Chickens?"

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Borst and his living situation.

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

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

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

5. Describe Bukowski's experiences in delivering papers.

6. What are the conditions of the charity ward?

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

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 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

Compose a brief essay about violence in Bukowski's stories. Be sure to develop a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your arguments. Consider, in particular, how Bukowski feels about violence (stories that are helpful in this regard include "A Drinking Partner" and "3 Chickens"). How do his other characters deal with violence? What statement is Bukowski attempting to make? Stories that contain violence include (but not exclusively) "The Fiend," "The Murder of Ramon Vasquez," "The Fuck Machine," and "The White Beard." Feel free to draw comparisons from other stories that may not feature violence prominently, but deal with Bukowski's themes on violence in society.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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