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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. During which event does "It's Funny, Isn't It? #1" take place?

2. In "Hard Times," how many familiar men does Chinaski run into?

3. What is one of Chinaski's friends named in "Song"?

4. Chinaski claims that the best one can hope for is which of the following?

5. In "Invasion," what kind of animal does Chinaski see in his doorway?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the events in the poem "The Boil."

3. Is Bukowski seixst? Why or why not?

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

5. How does Chinaski feel about the beautiful lady editor?

6. What does Chinaski say about lost pleasure?

7. Why is the title "Practice" clever?

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

9. Describe Chinaski's thought process in "Everybody Talks Too Much."

10. How does Bukowski build a sense of foreboding in "Invasion"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Make an argument for or against Bukowski being misogynistic. Use at least three specific pieces of evidence from the text.

Essay Topic 2

How does Bukowski respond to his critics? When he responds to critics, is he genuine? Is he fair? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Why does Chinaski lack trust for humanity? What message do you think Bukowski sends in giving Chinaski this distrust?

(see the answer keys)

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