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

2. In "A Funny Guy," what is Schopenhauer's profession?

3. Whom does Chinaski say he loves in "Supposedly Famous"?

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

5. What is the format of the poems in this collection?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does "The Master Plan" reveal about Chinaski?

2. What is the poem "Together" about?

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

4. How is the Chinaski of 1986 described?

5. What is Chinaski's view of solitude?

6. What is significant about the poems following "The Master Plan" in terms of imagery?

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

8. In his poems, Bukowski acknowledges that all people have what, and why?

9. How does Chinaski feel about Joe O'Brien, and how does he react to his death?

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

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

How does Bukowski respond to his critics? When he responds to critics, is he genuine? Is he fair? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

An allegory is a literary device used to show that a part represents a whole. Describe the use of allegory in at least one of Bukowski's poems. Then explain why the use of allegory is effective or ineffective.

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