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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. What is one of Chinaski's friends named in "Song"?
(a) Janice.
(b) Jordan.
(c) James.
(d) Julio.

2. Where does "My Buddy" take place?
(a) Dallas.
(b) New Orleans.
(c) Los Angeles.
(d) New York.

3. In "Help Wanted," what does Chinaski recall doing?
(a) Reading.
(b) Drinking.
(c) Dating.
(d) Writing.

4. Chinaski likes the editor in one of the poems even though she is which of the following?
(a) Angry.
(b) Annoying.
(c) Wealthy.
(d) Poor.

5. What animal does Chinaski watch with a friend in "Concrete"?
(a) Sparrows.
(b) Eagles.
(c) Fish.
(d) Cats.

Short Answer Questions

1. In which poem does Bukowski ruminate on his inconsistent fame?

2. Chinaski describes the food in Paris as being which of the following?

3. In "Fractional Note," what is described as getting worse?

4. What point is made in "Trying to Make It"?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Bukowski's portrayal of populism in his poems.

2. Describe the theme of solitude present in "Party's Over," "No Nonsense," and "Escape."

3. Describe Chinaski's feelings for the woman in "The Beautiful Lady Editor."

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

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

6. What does Chinaski say about lost pleasure?

7. Why is the title "Practice" clever?

8. Describe Chinaski's self-esteem.

9. Why does Chinaski think he has so many female critics?

10. Describe the feelings Bukowski portrays in "Party's Over."

(see the answer keys)

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