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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. Wallace imagines being on a cruise ship as similar to being where?

2. Why does Wallace explain the incident between him and a porter on the ship?

3. Why doesn't Wallace leave his cabin on the ship?

4. When does Wallace explain Joyce made the decision to play tennis?

5. What church activity on the ship does no one participate in?

Short Essay Questions

1. Does Wallace get seasick? Why or why not?

2. What does Wallace feel elderly people and the cruise ship have in common? Does he feel these two are an appropriate pairing?

3. Was the brochure for the cruise ship misleading? What does Wallace observe about this?

4. How does Wallace feel about his Celebrity Cruise assignment?

5. According to Wallace, why is Joyce a professional tennis player?

6. Why does Wallace explain Michael Joyce to the reader?

7. Throughout his time on the ship, does Wallace have good self-esteem? Why or why not?

8. How is morality a question in Lynch's films?

9. Why does Wallace consider tennis to be the most beautiful and demanding sport?

10. Does Wallace enjoy ordering room service on the cruise ship? Why or why not?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

In several essays, Wallace discusses his experience in tennis and his fondness for the sport. He often likens it to other activities and concepts, making it appear that it is an integral part of him although he doesn't play anymore. Discuss what tennis represents to Wallace and how it thematically aids the collection of essays. What is it to represent?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout his essays, Wallace often cites outside sources to either enforce his opinion or provide a contradiction for him to react to. Discuss Wallace's use of outside sources. How does Wallace analyzing others paint a clearer picture of Wallace himself?

(see the answer keys)

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