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

2. How does Wallace treat Winston while playing ping-pong?

3. What does Wallace believe is the cause for Lynch being so poorly received by critics?

4. Why, according to Wallace, is tennis the most demanding sport?

5. What was surprising to Wallace about his cruise assignment?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Wallace time his absences from his cabin?

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

5. Does Lynch's ex-wife have any role in the film? What is her relation to "Lost Highway"?

6. When the ship docks in Cozumel, Mexico, why doesn't Wallace get off the ship?

7. What is Ellery supposed to represent?

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

9. Why do people smoke at the Canadian Open tennis tournament?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Wallace often finds himself alienated from his surroundings and from popular belief, whether it is on the subject of television or participating in activities on a cruise ship. He also often addresses others who are alienated. Discuss Wallace's alienated condition and the effect on his experiences as looking in from the outside.

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

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.

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