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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 explains that Lynch's films are different from the _____ plays most Americans are used to.

2. Wallace uses McEnroe as an example of ________ tennis style.

3. What does Wallace think will happen to Arquette because of "Lost Highway"?

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

5. Why can people smoke at the Canadian Open?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is Ellery supposed to represent?

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

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

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

8. How does Wallace feel about Conroy's Celebrity Cruise essay?

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

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

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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