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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. According to Wallace, why do Midwesterners take their vacations to be around people?

2. According to Wallace, what elements do Lynch's films draw out?

3. What does Wallace believe about the dialogue in six hours worth of television?

4. How does Wallace believe "Lost Highway" can be interpreted?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. How was Wallace able to go to the Desert Competition of the fair?

10. What is a "Lynchian" film?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Wallace, in his alienation, often finds himself embarrassed or ashamed of himself. Discuss the source of Wallace's shame and the angle it presents for the experiences.

(see the answer keys)

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