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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Education," what does Chinaski remember?

2. What kind of women does "Poor Al" date?

3. According to Chinaski, where are all of his defenders?

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

5. In "The Crazy Truth," Chinaski recalled seeing a pedestrian verbally abuse a man in what color car?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Describe Chinaski's feelings for John Fante.

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

8. Describe Chinaski's view of humanity.

9. How is Chinaski portrayed in "Zero"?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Chinaski lack trust for humanity? What message do you think Bukowski sends in giving Chinaski this distrust?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the way in which Bukowski uses gallows humor, vaudeville, and irony in at least two of his poems. Find at least two specific examples from each of these two poems.

Essay Topic 3

Why does Chinaski enjoy solitude so much? Does he genuinely enjoy solitude, or is he being disingenuous?

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