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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. Chinaski consoles himself that many men become which of the following over time?
(a) Unhealthier.
(b) Crazier.
(c) Smarter.
(d) Saner.

2. Why does Chinaski think that many women go to bed with him in "Working"?
(a) He is nice.
(b) He is smart.
(c) He is attractive.
(d) He doesn't know.

3. In "Let 'Em Go," Chinaski says he is tired of __________.
(a) Drinking.
(b) Waiting.
(c) Dating a woman.
(d) Caring.

4. In "Hard Times," how many familiar men does Chinaski run into?
(a) Two.
(b) Eight.
(c) Six.
(d) Four.

5. In "Marching Through Georgia," which of the following does Chinaski use to describe the world?
(a) Cold.
(b) Hot.
(c) Peaceful.
(d) Hate-filled.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "The Beautiful Lady Editor," who writes to Chinaski telling him he deserves to be miserable?

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

3. What is the name of one of Chinaski's friends in "Practice"?

4. In "Sticks and Stones . . ." Chinaski responds to whom?

5. In "Fractional Note," what is described as getting worse?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the events in the poem "The Boil."

2. Describe the theme of solitude present in "Party's Over," "No Nonsense," and "Escape."

3. Describe the feelings Bukowski portrays in "Party's Over."

4. How and why does Chinaski focus on domestic life in some of the poems?

5. What is the message of "Trying to Make It"?

6. Describe the conclusion Chinaski arrives at in "Wearing the Collar" and "A Cat is a Cat is a Cat is a Cat."

7. How does Chinaski feel about the beautiful lady editor?

8. Describe Bukowski's portrayal of populism in his poems.

9. What does Chinaski say about lost pleasure?

10. Why is the title "Practice" clever?

(see the answer keys)

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