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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 do the students disagree with their professor in "E Unibus Pluram"?

2. What does Wallace observe about people dancing at a rock concert?

3. When does Wallace realize he is no longer a Midwesterner?

4. What type of cinema does Wallace believe Lynch has influenced?

5. Why does Wallace admire Lynch?

Short Essay Questions

1. After listening to Governor Jim Edgar's speech, how does Wallace feel about Illinois? Why?

2. How does Wallace feel about the setting for "Lost Highway"? Why does he feel this way?

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

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

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

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

7. What connection does Wallace see between tennis, geography, and the wind?

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

9. As a child, what did Wallace believe the purpose of carnivals was?

10. Why did the students argue with their professor's position that works should make no reference to a specific time period?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the essay "Getting Away From pretty Much Being Away From It All," Wallace is on assignment in his home state of Illinois. Through his exploration of the State Fair, Wallace's Eastern and Midwestern identities are brought into question and clashes between the two arise. Discuss what Wallace finds about himself and the regions as being a once native, now outsider.

Essay Topic 2

Wallace at times is in awe of the nature of the world. At the State Fair, he admires the strong sense of community; in discussing Lynch, he praises his artistic vision; on the cruise, he admires the efficiency and luxury. However, he often begins to criticize the weakness of these things. Discuss how Wallace's shifts his opinion, what inspires this, and the experience for the reader.

Essay Topic 3

Through the collection "A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again," Wallace's style is thoroughly explored. Discuss Wallace's style and its reflection through this collection. Who is Wallace as a writer?

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