View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Wallace feel overwhelmed by the lecture on the ship's mechanical functions?

2. What does Wallace believe "Lost Highway" will do for Blake's career?

3. What does Wallace believe the criticism of "Lost Highway" will be over?

4. Wallace compares the brochure's affect to a ________.

5. How does Joyce respond to the people he has to compete against at the qualifying matches?

Short Essay Questions

1. Does Wallace respond to the Celebrity Cruise brochure the way the brochure intends? Why?

2. Why doesn't Wallace participate in many of the activities on the ship?

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

4. Why does Wallace sit alone at breakfast on the cruise ship?

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

6. Is Wallace in good company in enjoying the activities on the ship?

7. What is Ellery supposed to represent?

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

9. Why does Lynch rarely use minorities in his films?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Wallace rarely discusses minor figures: most are successful and famous. However, he focuses on the person's struggle with this status and desires. Discuss Wallace's view of celebrity. Why does Wallace focus on these? What is the objective? What is the affect on the reader? What is displayed through his discussions of fame, struggle, and failure?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Wallace often addresses his Midwestern roots in his essays, implying that the Midwest has shaped him in some way. Discuss how the Midwest has shaped Wallace and the way it is reflected in his writing.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 706 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample