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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. In Chapter 22, what makes David interested in tax and tax law?

2. Where does Chapter 25 take place?

3. In Chapter 27, where does Cusk sit?

4. Where is Sylvanshine in Chapter 30?

5. In Chapter 24, who is the last person on the van once it arrives at the IRS building?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 27, why is the word "profitable" not used officially?

2. How does David describe the van ride after he is hired by the IRS?

3. In Chapter 22, why does David take a long time getting to the train?

4. What is Chapter 25 about?

5. In Chapter 27, what worries Cusk most about his training?

6. How do IRS workers know of the phantoms?

7. Why doesn't David exit the van in Chapter 24 with the other people?

8. What is the relationship between the Peoria REC and Martinsburg?

9. In Chapter 22, what details does David give to explain his parents' divorce?

10. In Chapter 33, how does Lane Dean Jr. perform his work?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the layering of people named David Foster Wallace in this novel. Explore the relationship between the three Davids in the novel: the author, the narrator and the character. What makes these people different? What makes them the same?

Essay Topic 2

What is the role of interview in "The Pale King"? Consider the interviews conducted with tax payers, IRS employees and people wishing to become IRS employees. What message is conveyed about the interviewing process?

Essay Topic 3

How is characterization accomplished in this novel? Consider the fact that characters will appear in one chapter and not again for several chapters. Consider how many of the characters interact with minor and unnamed characters. Also, how is characterization accomplished in chapters that exist to develop the IRS and setting only?

(see the answer keys)

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