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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. According to Chinaski, how long did it take him to become the best drunk in the neighborhood?
(a) Ten years.
(b) Eighteen years.
(c) Fifteen years.
(d) Two years.

2. According to Chinaski, where are all of his defenders?
(a) Europe.
(b) South America.
(c) Asia.
(d) North America.

3. In "Friends within the Darkness," Chinaski listens to __________.
(a) Rock music.
(b) Classical music.
(c) Country music.
(d) Rap music.

4. How did Chinaski's friend from "The Stride" die?
(a) In a hunting accident.
(b) In the war.
(c) In a car accident.
(d) In a boating accident.

5. When the thief in the boarding house tries to rob Chinaski, how does he get back at him?
(a) He takes his money.
(b) He kills him.
(c) He hits him with a wine bottle.
(d) He sleeps with his girlfriend.

Short Answer Questions

1. In which poem does Chinaski struggle with writer's block?

2. What is Chinaski's emotion in "I'll Take It..."?

3. Where is the hotel room in "A Good Time"?

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

5. What significant event in history does Chinaski consider in "Sunny Side Down"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Chinaski's view of solitude?

2. Describe Chinaski's father and his perception of him.

3. What relationships are defined in "A Non-urgent Poem" and "For My Ivy League Friends"?

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

5. Which poems best reflect Chinaski's connection to generations of artists preceding him and why?

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

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

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

9. Describe Chinaski's view of humanity.

10. How is Chinaski portrayed in "Zero"?

(see the answer keys)

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