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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. Why does Wallace see the baton twirling competition as dangerous?

2. Wallace describes his tennis career as ______ successful.

3. Why can't Wallace watch the car race?

4. Gilder believes technology can be solved with ________.

5. What does Wallace believe is the only way for an individual to define "Lynchian"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does sexual harassment make a clear distinction between Eastern and Midwestern women for Wallace?

2. What caused Lynch's downfall in the movie industry?

3. According to Wallace, what does television reference?

4. What does Wallace observe as ironic in television? Does he see this as detrimental? How?

5. To Wallace, is he still a Midwesterner? Why or why not?

6. As an adult, what does Wallace see as the purpose of carnivals?

7. According to Wallace, what tendencies does television appeal to? Who is television's target?

8. What is a "Lynchian" film?

9. What is the idea of Image-Fiction? Why does it exist?

10. Was Wallace a "boring" tennis player? How so?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Wallace often addresses his Midwestern roots in his essays, implying that the Midwest has shaped him in some way. Discuss how the Midwest has shaped Wallace and the way it is reflected in his writing.

Essay Topic 2

Wallace often finds himself alienated from his surroundings and from popular belief, whether it is on the subject of television or participating in activities on a cruise ship. He also often addresses others who are alienated. Discuss Wallace's alienated condition and the effect on his experiences as looking in from the outside.

Essay Topic 3

In the essay "David Lynch Keeps His Head," Wallace discusses his views on Lynch's career and artistic vision. Discuss how using David Lynch Wallace responds to his earlier, broader commentary on American media.

(see the answer keys)

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