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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. Post-structuralists believe that although the historical context can aid a text, much of it really depends on what?

2. What television show does Wallace compare the cloggers to?

3. Hix comments that he feels the post-structuralists' argument makes the concept of an author _______.

4. What does Wallace attribute his tennis success to?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. To Wallace, is he still a Midwesterner? Why or why not?

2. As an adult, what does Wallace see as the purpose of carnivals?

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

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

5. How does sexual harassment make a clear distinction between Eastern and Midwestern women for Wallace?

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

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

8. What is a "Lynchian" film?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the essay "David Lynch Keeps His Head," Wallace discusses his views on Lynch's career and artistic vision. Discuss how using David Lynch Wallace responds to his earlier, broader commentary on American media.

Essay Topic 2

Two of Wallace's essays in the collection discuss his experiences while on writing assignments. Discuss how these essays differ from the other essays and arguments. How does Wallace approach assignments? How does it shape the way he writes?

Essay Topic 3

Wallace's essays often present an argument. Discuss how Wallace contradicts the arguments, his method of citations and antithesis and the effect this has on the final product.

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