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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. When does the maid clean Wallace's cabin?

2. Scott Peterson's story about his wife turns out not to be a story but a _______.

3. Wallace begins his essay on Michael Joyce, describing Joyce _______ serving a ball.

4. Why does a representative from Guest Relations come to Wallace's cabin?

5. What does Wallace decide to take advantage of in his last days on the cruise ship?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Wallace ultimately spend most of his time alone on the ship?

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

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

6. Why does Wallace say he is on the fence about Lynch casing Richard Pryor?

7. What is Ellery supposed to represent?

8. Why is the stadium at Joyce's qualifying match relatively empty?

9. In terms of irony, why does Wallace appreciate Lynch's films?

10. How does Wallace anticipate he will be treated on the cruise ship? Why does he think this?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

Early in Wallace's collection of essays, Wallace discusses the pedagogy, influence, and future of television in America. Discuss Wallace's take on television: what points does he make? Where does his opinion spring from? What is his objective in this discussion?

(see the answer keys)

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