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. How do the critics view Lynch's painting experience?

2. What does Wallace realize about the brochure for the cruise when he boards the ship?

3. What does Wallace believe Lynch's painting experience has helped him with?

4. Wallace imagines being on a cruise ship as similar to being where?

5. What does the word "pamper" in the brochure for the cruise ship make him think of?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Wallace consider tennis to be the most beautiful and demanding sport?

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

3. What does Wallace feel elderly people and the cruise ship have in common? Does he feel these two are an appropriate pairing?

4. Why does Wallace explain Michael Joyce to the reader?

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

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

7. How does Wallace feel about his Celebrity Cruise assignment?

8. Does Wallace get seasick? Why or why not?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Wallace's essays often present an argument. Discuss how Wallace contradicts the arguments, his method of citations and antithesis and the effect this has on the final product.

Essay Topic 2

Wallace often addresses his Midwestern roots in his essays, implying that the Midwest has shaped him in some way. Discuss how the Midwest has shaped Wallace and the way it is reflected in his writing.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout his essays, Wallace often cites outside sources to either enforce his opinion or provide a contradiction for him to react to. Discuss Wallace's use of outside sources. How does Wallace analyzing others paint a clearer picture of Wallace himself?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 733 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample