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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. What do Tony and Bill do to the corpse before disposing of it at the end of the story?

2. Which assassination or assassinations does Hitler claim to have been behind in "Swastika?"

3. Under what name is Hitler living in "Swastika?"

4. What does Blanchard tell the cops that results in the two officers reacting with violence?

5. What does Talbot swear to do one night in the future?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the fate of the president after the surgeries are completed?

2. Who are some of the famous writers discussed in "The Day We Talk About James Thurber" and why?

3. Describe the ironic encounter between Mason and the waiter at the end of "All the Great Writers."

4. What is significant about the U.S.S. Pueblo?

5. What is significant about the prostitute's brother in "Trouble with a Battery?"

6. Describe Herb and Talbot's relationship.

7. What does Charlie leave Marie?

8. What is significant about the condition of the stolen corpse in "The Copulating Mermaid of Venice, California" and how do Tony and Bill react to it?

9. What is significant about Andrew's conversation with his girlfriend?

10. How and why does Vasquez extend his hospitality to Lincoln and Andrew?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Bukowski depict his different lovers throughout his stories? In what ways does he differentiate between his casual flings and those for whom he has true feelings? What does this suggest about his relationship to sex? What is significant about Bukowski portraying himself as being in an abusive relationship with Vicki in "3 Chickens?" How does this contrast with his loving sacrifice of a relationship with Marie in "A Lovely Love Affair?"

Essay Topic 2

What role does alcohol play in Bukowski's stories? Specifically, describe Bukowski's relationship with alcohol. In what ways does this inspire and stifle his creativity? What are some of the symptoms of his alcoholism? How does this affect his health and life? How does Bukowski himself feel about his reliance on alcohol? Does his alcohol inform his writing or impair? Why or why not? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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