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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who is most fond of motivational cliches?
(a) Chinaski's father.
(b) Chinaski's mentor.
(c) Chinaski.
(d) Chinaski's mother.

2. In "Drive Through Hell," where does Chinaski see the soul of the world?
(a) On the freeway.
(b) In a diner.
(c) Near a park.
(d) At a school.

3. What is the first thing that the man whom Chinaski tries to help drops?
(a) His wallet.
(b) His glasses.
(c) His gloves.
(d) His hat.

4. In "Friends within the Darkness," Chinaski listens to __________.
(a) Rock music.
(b) Country music.
(c) Classical music.
(d) Rap music.

5. Who is the subject of the poem "Retired"?
(a) Chinaski's mother.
(b) Chinaski's brother.
(c) Chinaski's father.
(d) A homeless man.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does the woman in "A Good Time" want to be taken?

2. What does Bukowski seem to defend through his poetry?

3. In "Working It Out," who is Gregory Peck portraying on television?

4. In "The Master Plan," where does Chinaski survive a harsh winter?

5. In "Starting Fast," where does Chinaski sleep?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Chinaski view criticism in a dismissive manner?

2. What is significant about the poems following "The Master Plan" in terms of imagery?

3. Describe the role of loss in Bukowski's poetry.

4. Describe the message of "For the Concerned."

5. Describe the overall tone and themes of the poems in Bukowski's book.

6. Which poems best reflect Chinaski's connection to generations of artists preceding him and why?

7. Describe the events of the poem "Stride."

8. What is the poem "Shoes" about?

9. What is Chinaski's view of solitude?

10. How do many of the poems seem to serve as a defense of listlessness?

(see the answer keys)

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