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

2. Other than tennis, what does Joyce enjoy?

3. Where is Asymmetrical Productions conveniently located for Lynch?

4. Why does Wallace feel overwhelmed by the lecture on the ship's mechanical functions?

5. Why are the stadiums empty during Joyce's qualifying matches?

Short Essay Questions

1. Does Wallace enjoy ordering room service on the cruise ship? Why or why not?

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

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

4. What is Ellery supposed to represent?

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

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

7. When the ship docks in Cozumel, Mexico, why doesn't Wallace get off the ship?

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

9. In terms of irony, why does Wallace appreciate Lynch's films?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Wallace discusses the use of irony mainly when discussing television and entertainment and criticizes it as being detrimental. Discuss Wallace's definition of irony and the detriments and benefits it has for art. What is Wallace's definition and objective with his argument? How does Wallace see irony differently?

Essay Topic 3

Through the collection "A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again," Wallace's style is thoroughly explored. Discuss Wallace's style and its reflection through this collection. Who is Wallace as a writer?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 682 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample