Analysis of themes in Don DeLillos novel White Noise.
Reality versus fabrication.
An obvious theme within DeLillos novel White Noise is the conflict between reality and fabrication. For example, this applies well to Jack and his altering personalities. Even though Jack has created a respected, intellectual identity for himself through the character of J.A.K. Gladney, professor in the studies of Hitler, he remains awkwardly aware of the fact that this entire character is a lie. In reality, the actual Jack is a much inferior man compared to J.A.K. He’s both mentally and physically handicapped by his morbid fear of death, and he’s by no means as intellectual as he appears. He doesn’t even speak German, which is to be expected by someone working …show more content…
Just like for most modern westerners the Gladney-family’s life largely revolves around consumption. Two examples of events in the book that demonstrates this issue is one: when Jack goes on a shopping-spree after being recognized by a colleague, whilst not acting under his usual J.A.K. persona, and two: when the family repeatedly meet Murray in the supermarket. In the first event, the family is gathering for a trip to a mall at a neighboring location. Since Jack doesn’t expect to meet anyone who knows him he decides not to wear his glasses nor the rest of his professor-look. Unfortunately for Jack though the family encounters one of his colleagues already at the mall’s parking lot. Obviously the colleague makes a comment about Jacks altered appearance, which makes Jack feel lackluster and miserable. To counteract his discomfort Jack proceeds to do what everyone is encouraged to do when they feel dissatisfied with their lives: he buys a better one. What’s interesting, and somewhat frightening, is that Jack actually does feel better about himself after this. The raw satisfaction of owning something makes him feel happy in general. But is this effect too just a fabrication, caused by media and advertising, or is his will of possessing actually something entirely human and
Reality versus fabrication.
An obvious theme within DeLillos novel White Noise is the conflict between reality and fabrication. For example, this applies well to Jack and his altering personalities. Even though Jack has created a respected, intellectual identity for himself through the character of J.A.K. Gladney, professor in the studies of Hitler, he remains awkwardly aware of the fact that this entire character is a lie. In reality, the actual Jack is a much inferior man compared to J.A.K. He’s both mentally and physically handicapped by his morbid fear of death, and he’s by no means as intellectual as he appears. He doesn’t even speak German, which is to be expected by someone working …show more content…
Just like for most modern westerners the Gladney-family’s life largely revolves around consumption. Two examples of events in the book that demonstrates this issue is one: when Jack goes on a shopping-spree after being recognized by a colleague, whilst not acting under his usual J.A.K. persona, and two: when the family repeatedly meet Murray in the supermarket. In the first event, the family is gathering for a trip to a mall at a neighboring location. Since Jack doesn’t expect to meet anyone who knows him he decides not to wear his glasses nor the rest of his professor-look. Unfortunately for Jack though the family encounters one of his colleagues already at the mall’s parking lot. Obviously the colleague makes a comment about Jacks altered appearance, which makes Jack feel lackluster and miserable. To counteract his discomfort Jack proceeds to do what everyone is encouraged to do when they feel dissatisfied with their lives: he buys a better one. What’s interesting, and somewhat frightening, is that Jack actually does feel better about himself after this. The raw satisfaction of owning something makes him feel happy in general. But is this effect too just a fabrication, caused by media and advertising, or is his will of possessing actually something entirely human and