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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. At the beginning of "E Unibus Pluram," what does Wallace describe fiction writers as NOT enjoying?

2. According to Wallace, why does television seem real?

3. What does Wallace speculate Lynch doesn't intend for "Lost Highway"?

4. Wallace believes fighting technology lies in ________.

5. Why can't Wallace watch the car race?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Identity is a reoccurring them throughout Wallace's experiences. Identity crisis is a primary theme of "Lost Highway," as well as what causes him great distress in discovering his own. Discuss Wallace's commentary on one's identity.

Essay Topic 3

Wallace addresses his own childhood through his experiences, at times offering the reader a glimpse of his experience through his childhood perspective. Wallace also describes his experiences with children through his journeys. Discuss the way that Wallace's inner-child and experiences with children offer a new side of arguments and experiences for the reader.

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