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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. What is the first thing that the man whom Chinaski tries to help drops?
(a) His gloves.
(b) His glasses.
(c) His wallet.
(d) His hat.

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

3. In "Glenn Miller," Chinaski recalls what kind of shop?
(a) Soda shop.
(b) Book shop.
(c) Sports shop.
(d) Bicycle shop.

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

5. In "Supposedly Famous," Chinaski takes stock of __________.
(a) His life.
(b) His knowledge.
(c) His wife's life.
(d) His family.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of Chinaski's friend in "The Stride"?

2. Which poem is a short quip in which Bukowski says it is still nice to be Bukowski?

3. In which poem does Bukowski relate his famous origin story?

4. Who is the subject of the poem "Retired"?

5. All the crazy poets Chinaski used to work with now have what kinds of jobs?

Short Essay Questions

1. Which poem expresses a counterpoint of an indulgent and listless life?

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

3. Describe the message Bukowski presents in "Darkness."

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

5. How do many of the poems seem to serve as a defense of listlessness?

6. What is Chinaski's view of solitude?

7. Describe Chinaski's view of humanity.

8. What does "The Master Plan" reveal about Chinaski?

9. How is Chinaski portrayed in "Zero"?

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

(see the answer keys)

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