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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 "Glenn Miller," Chinaski recalls what kind of shop?

2. Who is most fond of motivational cliches?

3. Which poem is considered a play on words?

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

5. In "Rift," who gets mad at Chinaski?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does "The Master Plan" reveal about Chinaski?

2. What is the poem "Together" about?

3. What metaphor does Chinaski use to symbolize modern America?

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

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

6. Describe Chinaski's view of humanity.

7. Describe the message Bukowski presents in "Darkness."

8. In his poems, Bukowski acknowledges that all people have what, and why?

9. Which poem expresses a counterpoint of an indulgent and listless life?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Assess the theme of destruction in this collection of poems. What types of things are destroyed? What types of things are preserved? What does this say about Bukowski?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze Chinaski's domestic life. Is domestic life portrayed as positive or negative? Is Chinaski's opinion of domestic life genuine? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Why does Chinaski enjoy solitude so much? Does he genuinely enjoy solitude, or is he being disingenuous?

(see the answer keys)

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