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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. Why does Chinaski think that many women go to bed with him in "Working"?

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

3. "Love Poem to a Stripper" is dedicated to a woman that Chinaski saw in which year?

4. At the end of "Someday I'm Going to Write a Primer . . ." Chinaski declares his love to whom?

5. In "Let 'Em Go," Chinaski says he is tired of __________.

Short Essay Questions

1. How are "Hard Times" and "Concrete" juxtaposed?

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

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

4. Why is "An Ordinary Poem" significant in terms of defining Chinaski?

5. Why is the title "Practice" clever?

6. Describe Chinaski's self-esteem.

7. What allegory is present in "The Death of a Splendid Neighborhood"?

8. What does the lion in "Invasion" represent?

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

10. What is the message of "Trying to Make It"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What unifying statement does Bukowski use in his work? Why do you think it is significant to have a unifying statement? Is it a genuine statement? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

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?

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