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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. Why does Wallace describe Joyce in great detail to the reader?

2. Wallace explains that Joyce is in the top _____ tennis players.

3. What about the Dreamward catches Wallace's eye?

4. Wallace's first feeling about the cruise is _______.

5. Wallace compares Ellery and Don Rickles in terms of ______.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Does Wallace believe he could have been a great tennis player? Why or why not?

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. Does Wallace get seasick? 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

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.

Essay Topic 3

Wallace is very critical of pop-culture and its prevalence in American art. He fears that it may be all that we've become. Discuss the arguments presented by Wallace and the sources he cites. What is the objective of this discussion? Where does Wallace leave the reader?

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