Death in "White Noise"

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews the novel "White Noise" by Don Delillo, the story of Jack Gladney and his family who are located somewhere in middle America and are victims as well as willing participants in American society's love affair with consumerism. It examines how DeLillo creates exaggerated characters and stereotypes that surround Jack to emphasize his main message with regard to the reality of death and how "White Noise" is laced with the themes of consumerism within the scope of denying death. It shows how DeLillo is extremely clear in his point that consumerism is a huge part of our popular culture and perhaps the main avenue people choose to travel upon as they avoid death and deathly discussion. This point is made to underscore the idea that life is full of moments and situations that are out of your control. The biggest of those moments is death and the final reality of its equalizing affect on society.

From the Paper:

"Jack's visit from his father in law, Vernon Dickey, is notable for two reasons. One being the gun Vernon gives to Jack that will be discussed later and the other is Vernon's speech to his daughter and Jack upon his departure. Vernon lists off his ailments, bad habits, and poor judgments and tells the younger couple not to be worried. He doesn't want them to worry about his failing eyesight, his smoking habit, his limp or his experiences with women. Vernon tells them not to worry about the mind, because the mind goes way before the body."

More papers on Death in "White Noise":

• Book Review # 91862 : "Death in 'White Noise' "
• Book Review # 126980 : "'White Noise' and Consumerism"
• Book Review # 91969 : "'White Noise' by Don DeLillo"

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