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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What building is destroyed in "The Death of a Splendid Neighborhood"?
(a) A diner.
(b) A block of houses.
(c) A large memorial site.
(d) A whorehouse.

2. In "From an Old Dog in his Cups," what relationship is explored?
(a) Between drinking and fighting.
(b) Between writing and love.
(c) Between writing and insanity.
(d) Between drinking and writing.

3. What is the name of Chinaski's second friend in "Practice"?
(a) Ingrid.
(b) Frank.
(c) Frederick.
(d) Iverson.

4. Which of the following is most evident in "I Thought the Stuff Tasted Worse than Usual"?
(a) Hyperbole.
(b) Sarcasm.
(c) Gallows humor.
(d) Irony.

5. In "Fractional Note," what is described as getting worse?
(a) Aesthetics.
(b) Ethics.
(c) Art.
(d) People.

6. Chinaski claims to say nothing to cops and what other type of person?
(a) Children.
(b) Failed writers.
(c) Cowardly men.
(d) Angry women.

7. In "Me and My Buddy," what does Chinaski do with his poem?
(a) He turns it into a paper crane.
(b) He rips it up.
(c) He uses it as a cushion.
(d) He gives it away.

8. In which of the following poems does Chinaski not focus on the hidden horrors of life?
(a) "The Blade."
(b) "The Lady in the Castle."
(c) "The Boil."
(d) "Not Listed."

9. In which poem does Bukowski ruminate on his inconsistent fame?
(a) "Relentless as a Tarantula."
(b) "Only For a Minute."
(c) "Huh?"
(d) "Their Night."

10. In "The Shrinking Island," Chinaski's wife tells him not to step on_________.
(a) The cat.
(b) A spill.
(c) A creaky floor.
(d) The rug.

11. What point is made in "Trying to Make It"?
(a) It is hard to make it big.
(b) It is hard to be demanding.
(c) It is hard to be hopeful.
(d) It is hard to find love.

12. What happens to all good poetry at the end of "Me and My Buddy"?
(a) It does not change.
(b) It becomes more abundant.
(c) It is lost for a short while.
(d) It disappears.

13. In "Wearing the Collar," which animal does Chinaski talk about?
(a) Cat.
(b) Mouse.
(c) Lion.
(d) Dog.

14. In "The Shrinking Island," what does Chinaski give up on since he is drunk?
(a) Typing.
(b) Drinking.
(c) Eating.
(d) Reading.

15. In "Gay Paree" what does Chinaski describe?
(a) Hotels.
(b) Cafes.
(c) Bars.
(d) Bookstores.

Short Answer Questions

1. At the end of "Someday I'm Going to Write a Primer . . ." Chinaski declares his love to whom?

2. In "Marching Through Georgia," which of the following does Chinaski use to describe the world?

3. In "You Get So Alone At Times . . ." how many pounds does Chinaski recall losing in order to get published?

4. In "Song," what does Chinaski's friend sing a song about?

5. What is Li Po's occupation?

(see the answer keys)

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