Analysis of Cover Art
This form of cover art illustrates the most basic definition of white noise: the static sound and the black and white image produced by televisions. This ties closely with the theme of the influence of television and radio in the novel. These are some of the most prominent sources of white noise. Furthermore, the young boy seems to be mesmerized, almost brainwashed, by the television. This represents how the constant stream of white noise around us completely takes control of our mind and our actions.
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This cover illustrates a pair of headphones around a cross. The cross represents religion, and the sound-proof headphones are covering it up. It focuses on the thematic idea of a distorted religion, in which traditional religion has been made to be practically non-existent. This concept was greatly explored in the novel, in which even the nuns do not believe in Heaven. Consumerism has essentially taken over the role of a religion in society.
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This cover depicts the six members of the Gladney family: Jack, Babette, Denise, Steffie, Heinrich, and Wilder. They are driving away from the oncoming airborne toxic event and through several advertisement billboards. The airborne toxic event The main theme conveyed in this cover art is the constant presence of white noise through the form of advertisement. Throughout the novel, advertisements, via the supermarket, tabloids, television, and radio, are constantly influencing the opinions and actions of the characters.
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This cover art is made up of twenty-six smaller images. Each small rectangle is like a small television, giving off its own image. This cover illustrates the overall theme of white noise. There is a constant influence from various small sources, which add up to create a large distraction. The images could be completely meaningless, but still all add up in significance.
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