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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. According to Wallace, why does television seem real?
(a) The actors are skilled at ignoring the camera.
(b) The definition is very clear.
(c) People are stupid enough to believe it.
(d) The stories reflect real life.

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

3. Why does Wallace admire Lynch?
(a) He's a loyal friend.
(b) He's a good comedian.
(c) He's loyal to his artistic vision.
(d) He's a great director.

4. In college, Wallace began to fall behind in his peers _______.
(a) Physically.
(b) Intellectually.
(c) Mentally.
(d) Creatively.

5. Why does Wallace consider his style of playing tennis as "boring"?
(a) Because he shows no emotion.
(b) Because he lightly hits it.
(c) Because he doesn't make any noise.
(d) Because he hits the ball in the center every time.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Hix's argument, "Morte d'Author," European post-structuralists argue what about authors?

2. Why does Wallace see fighting irony as "impossible"?

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

4. According to Wallace, why do Easterners take their vacations to be isolated?

5. Wallace and other press are transported around the fair on a _______ powered tractor.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. According to Wallace, what is a "Kmart Person"?

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

4. According to Wallace, do writers enjoy watching television? Do writers enjoy being watched? Why do writers watch television?

5. Does the plot of "Lost Highway" make sense? Is it supposed to make sense?

6. Does Wallace see the events at the Desert Competition as being safe? Why or why not?

7. Why does Wallace feel the Desert Competition is appropriate for Illinois?

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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