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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. Which of the following is the setting for "Red Mercedes" and a frequent setting in Bukowski's work?

2. What was Fante's occupation?

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

4. What kind of women does "Poor Al" date?

5. What is the name of the chemistry teacher who molested Chinaski's friend?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Chinaski portrayed in "Zero"?

2. What is the poem "Shoes" about?

3. What happens in "The Passing of a Great One" and "The Wine of Forever"?

4. What recurring motif is made most apparent in "Rift"?

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

6. What is Chinaski's view of solitude?

7. How does Chinaski feel about Joe O'Brien, and how does he react to his death?

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

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

10. What does Chinaski point out in "Termites of the Page"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Bukowski's overall view of the world. Why does he see the world as mostly negative? What things are positive in the world, according to Bukowski? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Chinaski's connection of populism to his distaste for the Lost Generation. In what other ways does Chinaski exhibit populism?

Essay Topic 3

What role does Chinaski's father play in the poems? What effect does he have on Chinaski and why? Can you see ways in which he has influenced Chinaski?

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