Problem identification and research question
Charles Bukowski was an American writer born in the year 1920 and died in the year 1994 (Bukowski & David 2). Owing to his lifestyle, he was often referred to as a dirty old man.
A deeper analysis of his writings reveals that Bukowski was a social critic who sought to criticize and challenge the American cultural and social normalcy. By illustrating much of his life in his writings, he managed to dramatize the oppressiveness in the workplaces, controversial facets of traditional masculinity, and the elitesâ perceptions of arts and academia.
As compared to other American writers of his time, Bukowskiâs writings are notable because his ideas and thoughts contradicted with what other writers upheld dearly. In general, his writings were presented in vulgar form. This proposal paper focuses specifically on the personality of Bukowski.
Through these studies, several researches will be done to bring into light a comprehensive synopsis of the life and work of this fascinating man.
As such, the following research questions will be answered: Are the stories written about the personality of Bukowski true? Did the writerâs personality influence his writings? Did the writerâs early background influence the way he expressed his writings? Several bibliographies assert that Bukowski underwent through suffering and neglect as a child and later rose to be one of the most celebrated critic writers of the 20th century.
In this regard, the proposal paperâs objective is to investigate the validity of the above claim. Likewise, the research paper will comprehensively cover on the areas unaddressed by the previous researches.
Literature review
Bukowski grew up in Los Angeles with his abusive parents. It is believed that his writing career was influenced by his dysfunctional relationships with his parents. As a teenager, his father beat him severally turning him into a social misfit. After one year in college, he dropped out to become a writer.
However, his writing career was frustrated by the lack of sufficient funds. As a youth, Bukowski found himself drifting from one job to another. Later on, he concentrated on writing and wrote several poems, short stories, and novels (Martin 4). Literature critics assert that his work was greatly influenced by his personality and the environment of Los Angeles. From his writings, one can note that Bukowskiâs writings focus on poverty, authoritativeness, alcohol, workplace challenges, and associations with women.
Out of these topics, two interrelated themes can be identified. The writerâs main theme has been advanced through a persona named Chinaski in most of his writings (Charlson 23). Through Chinaskiâs character, Bukowskiâs hatred for the authorities is illustrated. Similarly, through the same character the writer criticizes the authorities for abusing and fooling the common people.
Research methods
To find the answers to the research questions and achieve the objectives of the research paper, a comprehensive case study needs to be conducted on the personality of Bukowski. Through the case study, his relatives, fellow writers, literature critics, and magazine editors are to be interviewed.
Likewise, to obtain comprehensive results the case study must analyze data from different sources. In this regard, researches have to make use of academic journals, Bukowskiâs books, related literature, and Bukowskiâs website. By doing so, the case study will collect several views on the writerâs experiences. In addition, the case study will enable the researchers to identify whether the existing literature and perceptions focusing on the writerâs life are accurate.
Works Cited
Bukowski, Charles, and David Stephen Calonne. Charles Bukowski: portions from a wine stained notebook : uncollected stories and essays, 1944-1990. San Francisco: City Lights, 2008. Print.
Charlson, David. Charles Bukowski: autobiographer, gender critic, iconoclast. Victoria, B.C.: Trafford, 2005. Print.
Martin, John. The pleasures of the damned: poems, 1951-1993. New York: Ecco, 2007. Print.