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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 does David say was his drug of choice when he was younger?

2. How does David's father die after his arm is stuck in the train in Chapter 22?

3. What does David see Stecyk do at the end of Chapter 24?

4. In Chapter 22, why does David say he switched colleges often?

5. In Chapter 30, how does Sylvanshine describe Lehrl's future office?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does David feel while Ms. Neti-Neti leads him into the IRS REC?

3. Why does David feel he wasted his youth in Chapter 22?

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

5. What concerns Lane Dean Jr. most about the work he does in Chapter 33?

6. Why does Sylvanshine talk to Reynolds over the phone in Chapter 30?

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

8. What happens with the lawsuits that follow David's father's death?

9. In Chapter 22, what reason does David give for going to the IRS for a job?

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

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

Explore the theme of success in this novel. What things make people successful? What things impede success? What is the overall message about success in this novel?

Essay Topic 3

Explore the purpose and role of supernatural powers in this novel. How are psychic abilities used in the novel? How are phantoms used?

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