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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. In "Starting Fast," what does Chinaski ruminate on?
(a) His family.
(b) His job.
(c) His age.
(d) His past.

2. What does Bukowski seem to defend through his poetry?
(a) Lack of ambition.
(b) Slefishness.
(c) Education.
(d) Listlessness.

3. In "The Crazy Truth," Chinaski recalled seeing a pedestrian verbally abuse a man in what color car?
(a) Red.
(b) Blue.
(c) White.
(d) Green.

4. Which of the following is the setting for "Red Mercedes" and a frequent setting in Bukowski's work?
(a) Casino.
(b) Race track.
(c) Hotel.
(d) Chinaski's father's house.

5. Where is Chinaski in "Sunny Side Down"?
(a) A diner.
(b) A movie theater.
(c) A park.
(d) A grocery store.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Glenn Miller," Chinaski recalls what kind of shop?

2. What was the name of Chinaski's teacher?

3. To whom/what does Emily Bukowski tend?

4. What is the occupation of the subject in "That's Why Funerals Are So Sad"?

5. What is the name of the chemistry teacher who molested Chinaski's friend?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the Chinaski of 1986 described?

2. What is the poem "Shoes" about?

3. What does Chinaski point out in "Termites of the Page"?

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

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

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

7. In his poems, Bukowski acknowledges that all people have what, and why?

8. Describe the message of "For the Concerned."

9. What happens in "The Passing of a Great One" and "The Wine of Forever"?

10. Describe the events of the poem "Stride."

(see the answer keys)

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