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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 "Fractional Note," what is described as getting worse?

2. In "The Shrinking Island," what does Chinaski give up on since he is drunk?

3. In "Fractional Note," what is happening to hope?

4. Whom does Chinaski drink with in "I Thought the Stuff Tasted Worse than Usual"?

5. In "Not Listed," Chinaski runs into an ex-jockey named ___________.

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Bukowski build a sense of foreboding in "Invasion"?

2. Describe the argument that Bukowski makes in "Fractional Note."

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

4. In "Help Wanted," what does Chinaski fear?

5. Why is the title "Practice" clever?

6. How does Chinaski focus on the hidden horrors of life?

7. What metaphor is used in the poem "Seize the Day"?

8. Describe Chinaski's thought process in "Everybody Talks Too Much."

9. Describe Chinaski's self-esteem.

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

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

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

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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