Don DeLillo's "White Noise"

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the various meanings of both postmodernism and postmodernity, specifically in reference to Don DeLillo's novel "White Noise", which is in many ways emblematic of both phenomena. Thus, while the paper begins with a delineation between postmodernism and postmodernity, it also shows how the two concepts unite within the course of "White Noise", a postmodernist novel encompassing the postmodern condition.

From the Paper:

"What is more, postmodernism also seeks to erase the boundaries that have traditionally separated high culture from popular culture. This came to the forefront most notably in the Pop Art of Andy Warhol. Many other writers and artists incorporate elements of popular culture into their work, whereas Modernists would have merely quoted elements of popular culture. By integrating these seemingly antagonistic qualities into their art work, the postmodern artists and writers effectively make it difficult to tell which "category" their work is meant to fit into."

Sample of Sources Used:

• DeLillo, Don. White Noise. New York: Viking Penguin, 1984.
• Jameson, Frederic. "Postmodernism and Consumer Society." Retrieved November 17, 2007 from http://evans-experientialism.freewebspace.com/jameson_postmodernism_consumer.htm.
• Phillips, Jayne Anne. " 'White Noise' by Don DeLillo." New York Times, January, 13, 1985. Retrieved November 17, 2007 from http://www.nytimes.com/1985/01/13/books/delillo-noise.html?pagewanted=1.
• "The Po-Mo Page: Postmodern, Postmodernism, Postmodernity." Retrieved November 17, 2007 from http://www9.georgetown.edu/faculty/irvinem/theory/pomo.html.

More papers on Don DeLillo's "White Noise":

• Book Review # 126980 : "'White Noise' and Consumerism"
• Analytical Essay # 123288 : "'White Noise' and 'Jasmine'"
• Book Review # 99120 : "'White Noise'"
• Book Review # 100968 : "White Noise" by Don DeLillo and "America" by Jean Baudrillard"

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