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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

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

4. Wallace studied Mathematics in college because the straight lines reminded him of what?
(a) Lines of Midwestern geography.
(b) His dreams.
(c) The windows of skyscrapers.
(d) The grids of sudoku.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Hix comments that he feels the post-structuralists' argument makes the concept of an author _______.

2. What activity other than tennis does Wallace cite as using geometry?

3. Why does Wallace get ill on his first day at the desert competition?

4. By the end of the state fair, what has Wallace realized about the purpose of fairs?

5. What is Wallace's objective in describing the "Mary Tyler Moore Show" references in an episode of St. Elsewhere?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a "Lynchian" film?

2. How does Wallace suggest a writer rebel against the "new ironic orthodoxy"?

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

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

5. Why was Wallace assigned to the Illinois State Fair article for Harper's?

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

7. Why does Wallace believe cloggers have more fun than people at a rock concert?

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

9. Does Wallace admire Lynch? Why or why not?

10. According to Wallace, are commercials self-aware? What is the effect of this on the viewer?

(see the answer keys)

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