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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. What is Chinaski's justification for indolence and excess?

2. When Chinaski finds out he will have to live alone in "Rift," what does he feel?

3. How did Chinaski's friend from "The Stride" die?

4. In "Starting Fast," where does Chinaski sleep?

5. What does Bukowski seem to defend through his poetry?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the poem "Together" about?

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

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

4. Why does Chinaski view criticism in a dismissive manner?

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

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

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

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

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

10. Describe the role of loss in Bukowski's poetry.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of the poem "Invasion"? What does the lion in the poem symbolize? What is the message of this poem, and how do you know?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss and analyze one metaphor that Chinaski has created in one of his poems to relate to modern American culture and interactions.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and give examples of Chinaski showing conceit toward age and youth.

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