View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Chinaski believes the best companion is _____________.

3. Where does Chinaski give another driver a rude gesture?

4. In "My First Affair With That Older Woman," how much older than Chinaski is the woman?

5. What is the first thing that the man whom Chinaski tries to help drops?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Chinaski's view of humanity.

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

3. What is the poem "Together" about?

4. Describe Chinaski's feelings for John Fante.

5. How is Chinaski portrayed in "Zero"?

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

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

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

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

10. What type of conflict does "Red Mercedes" describe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Chinaski defend a listless and lazy lifestyle? In addition, explain how Chinaski laments the lie of the American dream and why he does this.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the role that the themes of loss and fear play in Bukowski's poetry. Explain the two poems that seem to focus the most on fear and loss. Explain why you think this theme prevails in these poems.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Bukowski's overall view of the world. Why does he see the world as mostly negative? What things are positive in the world, according to Bukowski? Why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 732 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample