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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 "3 Chickens," who is Margi?

2. In "25 Bums in Rags," how much money does Bukowski get paid for his day of work?

3. What is the first thing Bukowski does when he is discharged from the hospital?

4. Where does Bukowski go after he quits his job at the end of "Kid Stardust on the Porterhouse?"

5. What is Borst doing when his house is invaded by friends?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the events that lead up to Tanya's demise.

2. What are the conditions of the charity ward?

3. Why do Sanchez and Kaakaa take Bukowski in during "Ten Jack-offs?"

4. How does Bukowski find Gloria Westhaven?

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

6. What is Tanya's purpose, according to Von Brashlitz, and why does she rebel?

7. For what reasons is Bukowski satisfied with being evicted at the end of "3 Women?"

8. Who is Kid Stardust and what is his purpose?

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

10. Describe Bukowski's relationship with Vicki.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the role of beauty in "The Most Beautiful Woman in Town." What is significant about Cass's attractiveness and her attempts to deflect from it? What is important about her attraction to Bukowski? How does Bukowski feel about Cass? How does her suicide reflect the disconnect between appreciating her looks and detesting them all at once? How is Bukowski able to reconcile his opinions on attractiveness? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the depictions of artists and their work in Bukowski's stories in the following format:

Part 1) Andre's success and Bukowski's envy.

Part 2) Crazy Jack and Borst.

Part 3) Mason's opinions on artists, including Bukowski.

Part 4) The writer's block.

Part 5) Sanchez's photography and writing.

Develop a clear thesis statement and specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

In what ways do many of these stories deal a person's tendency towards self-destruction? How does Bukowski cast himself in many of these roles (in particular, in "25 Bums in Rags")? What are some of the common traits of those who cannot keep their lives together? How are characters such as Cass, Vicky, and Jeff similar in this regard? How is this connected with suicide? What does this suggest about Bukowski's thoughts on his own self-destruction?

(see the answer keys)

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