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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. Like many of his contemporaries (including Bukowski), on what has Andre been cheated?

2. After he is no longer in contact with Tito and Baby, what does Bukowski claim to appreciate from their encounter?

3. How much money does Mason give Ainsworth Hockley?

4. According to the patients at the institution, what probably drove the man who claims to be president (though looks like Hitler) crazy?

5. What is the little girl in "The Fiend" wearing that catches Blanchard's attention?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Blanchard after the attack?

2. Why does Bukowski refuse to acquaint himself with Gramercy Edwards in "A Drinking Partner?"

3. What is significant about the condition of the stolen corpse in "The Copulating Mermaid of Venice, California" and how do Tony and Bill react to it?

4. What does Bukowski mean when he disagrees with Herb's assessment that the schoolchildren who were killed in the explosion never got laid?

5. Who is Ginny?

6. How and why does Vasquez extend his hospitality to Lincoln and Andrew?

7. What happens off of the coast of Spain in "Politics is like Trying to Screw a Cat in the Ass?"

8. What is the fate of the president after the surgeries are completed?

9. How does Bukowski force the police to leave in "My Big-Assed Mother?"

10. What is significant about the U.S.S. Pueblo?

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

How does Bukowski depict his different lovers throughout his stories? In what ways does he differentiate between his casual flings and those for whom he has true feelings? What does this suggest about his relationship to sex? What is significant about Bukowski portraying himself as being in an abusive relationship with Vicki in "3 Chickens?" How does this contrast with his loving sacrifice of a relationship with Marie in "A Lovely Love Affair?"

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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