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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. What article of clothing distinguishes a "Kmart Person"?

2. Wallace learns that people enter the Junior Livestock Competition for ______.

3. Wallace believes fighting technology lies in ________.

4. Why does Wallace believe references to pop-culture are necessary?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. According to Wallace, was Image-Fiction successful? Why or why not?

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

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

5. Does Wallace's visit to the stockyard barns affect Wallace at all? Why or why not?

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

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

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

9. What is a "Lynchian" film?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Wallace discusses the use of irony mainly when discussing television and entertainment and criticizes it as being detrimental. Discuss Wallace's definition of irony and the detriments and benefits it has for art. What is Wallace's definition and objective with his argument? How does Wallace see irony differently?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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