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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where does Chinaski give another driver a rude gesture?
(a) School parking lot.
(b) Busy intersection.
(c) Library parking lot.
(d) Supermarket parking lot.

2. In "Darkness," what does Chinaski lament?
(a) American education.
(b) The lie of the American dream.
(c) The fulfillment of ambitions.
(d) Selfishness.

3. Where does "Together" take place?
(a) A hostel.
(b) A park.
(c) A rented room.
(d) A diner.

4. Chinaski assures the readers that even though he writes less about drinking and prostitutes, what is still intact?
(a) His anger.
(b) His faith.
(c) His agony.
(d) His depression.

5. In which poem does Chinaski struggle with writer's block?
(a) "I'll Take It."
(b) "Supposedly Famous."
(c) "Putrefaction."
(d) "Zero."

Short Answer Questions

1. When Chinaski writes, who or what accompanies him?

2. What is the name of the thief who lives in a boarding house in "Bad Times at the 3rd and Vermont Hotel"?

3. Who is Emily Bukowski?

4. Where is Chinaski's favorite place in "My Vanishing Act"?

5. Saroyan insists that in order for him to write he needs to ______________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the overall tone and themes of the poems in Bukowski's book.

2. How is Chinaski portrayed in "Zero"?

3. What metaphor does Chinaski use to symbolize modern America?

4. Describe Chinaski's view of humanity.

5. What is Chinaski's view of solitude?

6. How does Chinaski juxtapose "Stride" and "The Final Story"?

7. Describe Chinaski's feelings for John Fante.

8. What recurring motif is made most apparent in "Rift"?

9. What is the poem "Together" about?

10. What is the poem "Shoes" about?

(see the answer keys)

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