David Foster WallaceAP English Language
“A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again” Mr. McWilliam
Discussion Questions
1. What is the purpose of the essay? What is the thesis?
2. Consider the form that Wallace uses to tell the reader about his trip. How does this contribute to the overall effectiveness of the essay?
3. How does the title contribute to the essay? Consider that the title for the edited article for Harper’s Magazineis “Shipping Out: On the (Nearly Lethal) Comforts of a Luxury Cruise.” What is the difference in the connotation between these two titles?
4. Wallace describes this essay as a “sort of really big experiential postcard.” In what ways is it like a postcard note? In what ways (aside from the length) is it different?
5. The opening section is a semi-organized listing of some of the things that Wallace experienced on the m.v. Zenith (or, as he rechristens it, the Nadir). Is this opening effective? Why or why not?
6. List some of his unusual elements of his writing style. Why do you think he chooses to employ these unusual stylistic elements?
7. To what effect does Wallace use humor (specifically self-deprecation)? Find three examples in the text where he uses humor for effect.
8. Why do you think Wallace includes his fascination with shark (or, as he puts it, his “atavistic shark fetish”)?
9. Vacations are generally viewed as an escape (from the normal routine, the daily grind, etc.). What do you make of Wallace’s assertion that vacations (especially for people middle-aged and older) are often ways for people to escape death and unpleasantness?
*10. How does Wallace describe the rhetorical effectiveness of the Celebrity Cruise advertising brochure? How is the brochure effective? How is it manipulative? What is Wallace’s opinion on this subject?
11. Describe Wallace’s discomfort with the brochure’s promise of “pampering” and “doing absolutely nothing.” In your opinion, is he wrong to feel this way?
12. What do you make of his criticism of Frank Conroy? In an interview with Wallace, Conroy admits that “he prostituted himself” with his “paid-for” essay. Is there a difference, as Wallace asserts, between an essay and an advertisement? According to Wallace, to whom should an essay have its loyalties?
13. While he is one of the few tourists who is traveling alone, Wallace describes many of his fellow shipmates (his tablemates, eccentrics like Captain Video, Deirdre (the chess child prodigy), etc.). How does this add to the effect of the “experiential postcard”?
14. How does his account of his interactions with Petra, Tibor, Winston (“3P”), Mr. Dermatis (a.k.a. Mr. Dermatitis), Scott Peterson, and other members of the crew add to the effect of his essay? Cite examples from the text.
15. How does Wallace use the account of his day of managed fun (pp. 319-353) to prove his thesis? Cite specific examples from the text.
16. How does Wallace’s account of Nigel Ellery’s magic show serve as a metaphor for the trip?
17. Find five examples of different stylistic devices. Consult if necessary. For each one, analyze the effect each one has.
18. Wallace’s extensive vocabulary is a hallmark of his writing. How does his use of language contribute to the essay? Find examples from the text.