Works considered satire are categorized in such a manner because of their use of irony and exaggeration in conveying messages that are critical of certain aspects of life or society as a whole. It can be difficult to distinguish between conventional and satirical novels if the absurdities the author intends to critique are presented in a subtle tone. An example of a novel that is subjectively a mockery of contemporary American life is Don Delillo’s White Noise. While the main characters of the book made be interpreted as arrogant and unintelligent by some readers, a non-literal look at the work can bring up questions regarding humanity. Often works utilizing this type of humor will make fun of something without suggesting any ways to change
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Jack and Babette have a repeated conversation of “who will die first?”, and Jack even comes across this thought in happy moments such as when he and Murray are visiting the Most Photographed Barn in the World. Although death is inevitable for every organic, mortal being, humans are the only creatures who speculate and have fears about it. At first, Delillo implies his characters are fearful of their demise and ignore the natural progression of life, but later shows they are aware that a fear of death is a solely human construct and start to accept it. Jack and Babette’s notions of mortality are explored in depth in Part III of the novel, titled Dylarama. Earlier in the novel, Denise is trying to figure out why her mother is having memory problems and discovers a bottle of Dylar, a drug not likely approved by the FDA. Jack takes one of the pills to be analyzed in the lab at the College-On-the-Hill. Though his colleague discovered the pill had a delicate and precise design, he did not discover what the pill was for until he confronted Babette. She explains how the drug is intended to suppress her fear of death. However, the Dylar does not seem to help her condition: “‘The very beginning was a most hopeful time. Since then no improvement. I’ve grown more and more discouraged.’” (Delillo 201). The fact that Babette has such a phobia and that it’s so intense that she believes she …show more content…
He decides to confront the man Babette had an affair with in order to obtain Dylar, only known previously as Mr. Gray. Before he arrives in Germantown in his neighbor’s car, it is not stated what Jack will do to this man whose real name is Willie Mink. The revelation that Mr. Gladney wants to shoot and kill Mr. Mink is violent and slightly out of character, but understandable. Jack’s actions are the result of the natural instinct to protect and defend those close to one. He received the gun he intended to use as a murder weapon from his father-in-law, and initially declares it as “the ultimate device for determining one’s competence in the world.” (Delillo 254). Having a lethal weapon such as this makes Jack feel more human and in-control of his own mortality. Though technologically advanced, it is no different than using a knife, spear, or poison as self-defense. The sophistication of the gun and other modern products can result in a sense of entitlement for their users, but it is just another form of survival, a part of live understood by all living
Jack and Babette have a repeated conversation of “who will die first?”, and Jack even comes across this thought in happy moments such as when he and Murray are visiting the Most Photographed Barn in the World. Although death is inevitable for every organic, mortal being, humans are the only creatures who speculate and have fears about it. At first, Delillo implies his characters are fearful of their demise and ignore the natural progression of life, but later shows they are aware that a fear of death is a solely human construct and start to accept it. Jack and Babette’s notions of mortality are explored in depth in Part III of the novel, titled Dylarama. Earlier in the novel, Denise is trying to figure out why her mother is having memory problems and discovers a bottle of Dylar, a drug not likely approved by the FDA. Jack takes one of the pills to be analyzed in the lab at the College-On-the-Hill. Though his colleague discovered the pill had a delicate and precise design, he did not discover what the pill was for until he confronted Babette. She explains how the drug is intended to suppress her fear of death. However, the Dylar does not seem to help her condition: “‘The very beginning was a most hopeful time. Since then no improvement. I’ve grown more and more discouraged.’” (Delillo 201). The fact that Babette has such a phobia and that it’s so intense that she believes she …show more content…
He decides to confront the man Babette had an affair with in order to obtain Dylar, only known previously as Mr. Gray. Before he arrives in Germantown in his neighbor’s car, it is not stated what Jack will do to this man whose real name is Willie Mink. The revelation that Mr. Gladney wants to shoot and kill Mr. Mink is violent and slightly out of character, but understandable. Jack’s actions are the result of the natural instinct to protect and defend those close to one. He received the gun he intended to use as a murder weapon from his father-in-law, and initially declares it as “the ultimate device for determining one’s competence in the world.” (Delillo 254). Having a lethal weapon such as this makes Jack feel more human and in-control of his own mortality. Though technologically advanced, it is no different than using a knife, spear, or poison as self-defense. The sophistication of the gun and other modern products can result in a sense of entitlement for their users, but it is just another form of survival, a part of live understood by all living