Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace - Quiz
- 1. Infinite Jest, a sprawling and complex novel by David Foster Wallace, explores themes of addiction, entertainment, and the pursuit of happiness in contemporary American society. Set in a near-future world where the calendar years are subsidized by corporate sponsorship, the novel oscillates between the lives of several characters, including the Incandenza family, who run a tennis academy, and residents of a nearby substance abuse recovery center. The narrative intertwines various plot lines, illustrating the effects of a highly mediated culture on individual lives and the pervasive sense of despair that accompanies the pursuit of pleasure. Wallace's intricate writing style, characterized by long sentences, footnotes, and deep philosophical musings, urges readers to examine the implications of excess and the nature of self-consciousness. The title itself refers to a fictional film that is so entertaining it incapacitates its viewers, serving as a metaphor for how entertainment can lead to self-destructive behavior. Infinite Jest is not only a critique of modernity's obsession with addiction and distraction but also an earnest exploration of what it means to live authentically in an age dominated by superficiality.
Who is the author of 'Infinite Jest'?
A) Don DeLillo
B) Thomas Pynchon
C) Jonathan Franzen
D) David Foster Wallace
- 2. What year was 'Infinite Jest' published?
A) 2001
B) 1994
C) 1998
D) 1996
- 3. What substance is 'Infinite Jest' a commentary on?
A) Addiction
B) Wealth
C) Education
D) Politics
- 4. What is pervasive theme throughout 'Infinite Jest'?
A) War and conflict
B) Love and romance
C) Adventure and exploration
D) Isolation and connection
- 5. Which character struggles with addiction at a rehab facility?
A) Don Gately
B) Joelle Van Dyne
C) Ken Erdedy
D) Hal Incandenza
- 6. What is the relation between Hal and James Incandenza?
A) Brothers
B) Cousins
C) Father and son
D) Uncle and nephew
- 7. Who runs the tennis academy in the novel?
A) Chris Overbrook
B) James Incandenza
C) Don Gately
D) Hal Incandenza
- 8. Which character is a tennis prodigy?
A) Joelle Van Dyne
B) Don Gately
C) Ken Erdedy
D) Hal Incandenza
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