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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 "Hard Times," Chinaski sees the men who ___________.

2. In "Wearing the Collar," which animal does Chinaski talk about?

3. During which event does "It's Funny, Isn't It? #1" take place?

4. What is the name of one of Chinaski's friends in "Practice"?

5. Where is Chinaski in "Not Listed"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is the title "Practice" clever?

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

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

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

6. Describe the events in the poem "The Boil."

7. Describe the poem "Invasion."

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

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

10. What does Chinaski say about lost pleasure?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

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

Describe the portrayal of madness in Bukowski's work. Is madness portrayed as a negative trait? Why or why not?

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