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. What do Hal's dreams appear to show that he is afraid of?

2. Which character describes a dark shape that has enveloped him twice?

3. What is Matty Pemulis' occupation in Cambridge?

4. What prompted Hal and some of his classmates to be called into the office?

5. In the hospital, who does Don dream of as death?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the memories James had about his father.

2. Why is Don so interested in Joelle?

3. What kind of relationship did James and Lyle have?

4. What is Remy's view of American culture?

5. Who is Randy Lenz?

6. What role does the theme of suicide play in the novel?

7. What kind of impression do you get from Avril's character?

8. How could the use of the Entertainment be devastating?

9. What do Hal's dreams about losing his teeth represent?

10. What parallels does Wallace draw between the Entertainment and drugs?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does the title Infinite Jest suggest about the novel? Why do you think Wallace chose this title?

Essay Topic 2

Does each part of Infinite Jest serve a specific purpose? Are there any elements to the story that are pointless? If so, why are these elements still included?

Essay Topic 3

Of the Incandenza brothers, which is the most emotionally and psychologically stable? Why do you believe this is so?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 840 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample