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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. For whom does Sanchez's lover name herself?

2. Why does Bukowski leave his bed when he collapses and vomits in front of the patients and staff?

3. According to Bukowski, what climbs higher with each race at the horse tracks?

4. How does the law enforcement prove that Tanya is not human by their standards?

5. What is the name of Joe and Cherry's underground newspaper?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Bukowski's relationship with Vicki.

2. How does the marriage of Joe and Cherry reflect the problems with their newspaper?

3. How does Bukowski find Gloria Westhaven?

4. Why does Bukowski throw away the newspaper clippings at the end of "Life in a Texas Whorehouse?"

5. How does Danforth take advantage of Bagley after the latter is run through the machine in their office?

6. Describe Bukowski's job and why he quits.

7. In "Twelve Flying Monkeys Who Won't Copulate Properly," what conclusions does Bukowski draw about his lifestyle as a writer?

8. Why is Cass drawn to Bukowski?

9. What are the "3 Chickens" and what purpose do they serve in this story?

10. Who is Kathy and what is her relationship to Bukowski?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what ways does Bukowski connect homosexuality with success? What is significant about his respect for the people who are openly homosexual? Despite this, what is Bukowski's own relationship with homosexuality? Why does it seem to make him uncomfortable? Consider how this is reflected in the following stories: "The Gut-Wringing Machine," "The Day We Talked About James Thurber," and "The Murder of Ramon Vasquez."

Essay Topic 2

What are Bukowski's opinions on politics and world events? How is this related to his views of the world and society (particularly his statement at the beginning of "The Murder of Ramon Vasquez")? What does he believe about the world leaders and the people who follow them? What is significant about him depicting a world in which Hitler could take power again and no one would notice? How is this related to his beliefs in how he needs to live his own life?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the themes of life and death in Bukowski's stories in the following format:

Part 1) Cass's suicide.

Part 2) Harry and his cigarettes.

Part 3) Tanya's "death."

Part 4) The body in "The Copulating Mermaid of Venice, California."

Part 5) The fates of Tito and Baby.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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