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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 "From an Old Dog in his Cups," what relationship is explored?

2. What animal does Chinaski watch with a friend in "Concrete"?

3. Chinaski claims that the best one can hope for is which of the following?

4. What is the name of the second girl in "Those Girls We Followed Home"?

5. In "About the PEN Conference," the author states that a writer without his typewriter is just a _________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the poem "The Lady in the Castle."

3. Describe Chinaski's self-esteem.

4. Is Bukowski seixst? Why or why not?

5. Why does Chinaski think he has so many female critics?

6. How does Bukowski use gallows humor and vaudeville in his poems?

7. Describe the theme of solitude present in "Party's Over," "No Nonsense," and "Escape."

8. Describe Bukowski's portrayal of populism in his poems.

9. Describe Chinaski's feelings for the woman in "The Beautiful Lady Editor."

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

What role does Chinaski's father play in the poems? What effect does he have on Chinaski and why? Can you see ways in which he has influenced Chinaski?

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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