David Foster Wallace’s Postmodern Voices — Unit test

Question 7 • AFC TSIA2-English Language Arts S2

Which excerpt from Infinite Jest best illustrates an objective narrative voice?

Answer

I believe I appear neutral, maybe even pleasant, though I’ve been coached to err on the side of neutrality. . . .

‘You are Harold Incandenza, eighteen, date of secondary-school graduation approximately one month from now, attending the Enfield Tennis Academy. . . .’

My silent response to the expectant silence begins to affect the air of the room, the bits of dust and sportcoat-lint stirred around by the AC’s vents. . . .

This is not working out. It strikes me that EXIT signs would look to a native speaker of Latin like red-lit signs that say HE LEAVES.

Explanation

An objective narrative voice reports information in a factual, detached way rather than emphasizing a character’s personal thoughts or impressions. Choice B gives Harold’s name, age, graduation timing, and school in a straightforward, report-like manner. The other excerpts include subjective judgments, perceptions, or reflections, such as “I believe” and “It strikes me.”

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