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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. Chinaski tells the story of a jockey from which state in "Trying to Make It"?

2. What is "An Ordinary Poem" about?

3. In "Over Done," why does Chinaski not enjoy the company of his old acquaintance?

4. In "The Beautiful Lady Editor," who writes to Chinaski telling him he deserves to be miserable?

5. What happens to all good poetry at the end of "Me and My Buddy"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the message of "Trying to Make It"?

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

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

5. Describe the conclusion Chinaski arrives at in "Wearing the Collar" and "A Cat is a Cat is a Cat is a Cat."

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

7. What does Chinaski say about lost pleasure?

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

9. Describe the poem "Invasion."

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the role that the themes of loss and fear play in Bukowski's poetry. Explain the two poems that seem to focus the most on fear and loss. Explain why you think this theme prevails in these poems.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and give examples of Chinaski showing conceit toward age and youth.

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the poem "Invasion"? What does the lion in the poem symbolize? What is the message of this poem, and how do you know?

(see the answer keys)

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