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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Wallace blame for his failure as a tennis player in college?
(a) Windscreens on the court.
(b) The overwhelming academic work.
(c) The lack of equipment.
(d) The pressure from coaches.

2. In the scenario Wallace describes in "E Unibus Pluram," what is the professor's belief?
(a) No references to pop-culture should be made in writing.
(b) Everyone needs to understand pop-culture.
(c) People should rebel against pop-culture.
(d) All writing must make reference to pop-culture.

3. After "Dune," why did Lynch begin to work on smaller projects?
(a) So he could educate.
(b) So he could spend time with his family.
(c) So he could avoid drama.
(d) So he could have more control.

4. What article of clothing distinguishes a "Kmart Person"?
(a) Their shoes.
(b) Their pants.
(c) Their t-shirts.
(d) Their jewelry.

5. Why does Wallace believe references to pop-culture are necessary?
(a) It makes the piece more fun.
(b) He was paid to say this.
(c) It makes the work more realistic.
(d) It defines the style.

6. What is Wallace's explanation for why Midwesterners are alienated?
(a) Because they speak differently.
(b) Because their home is like a factory.
(c) Because they have different ethical values.
(d) Because they enjoy different movies.

7. What does Wallace speculate Lynch doesn't intend for "Lost Highway"?
(a) For it to win an award.
(b) For it to be successful.
(c) For it to make sense.
(d) For it to impact anyone.

8. Where was Wallace sent on an assignment for Harper's Magazine?
(a) Illinois.
(b) Kansas.
(c) Connecticut.
(d) Missouri.

9. Why can't Wallace watch the car race?
(a) It's too long.
(b) It's too dangerous.
(c) It's too noisy.
(d) It's not entertaining.

10. The clogger competition leaves Wallace with a sense of a specific ______.
(a) Talent.
(b) Community.
(c) Journey.
(d) Rhythm.

11. What ride is Wallace kicked off of?
(a) The one he vomited on.
(b) A ride meant for the elderly.
(c) A broken ride.
(d) A ride meant for small children.

12. At the beginning of "E Unibus Pluram," what does Wallace describe fiction writers as NOT enjoying?
(a) Reading.
(b) Talking to people.
(c) Watching television.
(d) Being watched.

13. In Hix's argument, "Morte d'Author," American post-structuralists argue what about authors?
(a) The definition is wrong.
(b) The concept isn't important.
(c) There are too few.
(d) The concept has some validity.

14. Why does Wallace see the baton twirling competition as dangerous?
(a) Because they twirl very fast.
(b) Because they throw the batons into the crowd.
(c) Because the batons are on fire.
(d) Because they twirl blindfolded.

15. According to Wallace, what elements do Lynch's films draw out?
(a) Dark.
(b) Common.
(c) Imaginary.
(d) Unseen.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why was Wallace fascinated by tornados?

2. Why does Wallace admire Lynch?

3. According to Wallace, how did Leyner's image-fiction attempt to solve irony?

4. What movie does Wallace specifically cite that is directly influenced by "Blue Velvet"?

5. According to Wallace, commercials make people watch more television because they want to understand the _______.

(see the answer keys)

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