Bukowski and Robbins: Considering Short Stories, Poems, and Essays (for Your Project)

Some of you have expressed that you'd be interested in writing a short story or a series of poems for your transformation project, but you aren't sure how to go about doing that.  Well, I thought I'd take part of today's class to share some pieces from my #1 favorite writer of all time, Charles Bukowski.  Note: I'm not a English/Literature professor... but I'll sure as hell wear that for a day.  :)

Universal Themes:

• Before we dig into some pieces, I want us to think about universal themes of the human condition.  What are some aspects that many/all humans can identify with?  What about/within life impacts us?  What draws us together and keeps us a part?

Short Stories:

• What makes a short story a... "short story"?  
• Are there any that you've fallen in life with?  Elaborate.

"The Most Beautiful Woman in Town"

• What universal themes were present in TMBWIT?
• How was this short story constructed?  How did Bukowski "build" this thing?  What are its "parts"?
• How would you characterize his style?  
• Compare his style to your style/attitude towards life/writing.

Poetry:

• In your own words, describe what a poem is/isn't.
• Do any poems you've read throughout your life stick out to you?  Do you have a favorite?  Or one that you just can't stand?  Why?

A Few of Bukowski's Poems: "Sandra," "tonight," "the escape," sitting in a sandwich joint," and "some picnic"

• Think about all the reasons why people use personal journals that we've discussed throughout the quarter.  Do any of them seem to be reasons for how/why Bukowski turns to poetry?
  (What I'm trying to get at is: it seems pretty clear that Bukowski used poetry, in part, as an emotional outlet.  What I want to know is: what kinds of emotions, specifically?)
  
• Try to pinpoint a handful of Bukowski's "moves" that you like/dislike.  What's he doing?  Why do you like/dislike it??

Essays:

• In your own words, describe what an essay is/isn't.
• Do any essays you've read throughout your life stick out to you?  Do you have a favorite?  Or one that you just can't stand?  Why?

Tom Robbins's Essays: "The Doors," "The Genius Waitress," "Write About One of Your Favorite Things" (The Letter "Z")

• OK, what do you think about this stuff?  How would you characterize/describe his style?  
• Try to pinpoint a handful of Robbins's "moves" that you like/dislike.  What's he doing?  Why do you like/dislike it??