Non-Fiction Connection
The main focus of this literary analysis, as demonstrated by the title, is the relation to conspirators. The insight of Diane Johnson was completely different from our group's original viewpoint, but still an extremely strong argument. Johnson argues the idea that a "plot contains a plot" exists in the White Noise, and is a indicator of the postmodernist nature of the novel. Essentially, conspiracies, such as the Dylar plot between Willie Mink and Babette, exist in the novel. The protagonist, Jack Gladney, has a major conflict with this "plot", hence the term plot containing a plot. Johnson emphasizes the social commentary White Noise presents on conspiracies in modern society. People, especially large companies, almost always have ulterior motives, whether its for greater power or wealth. Ultimately, these commentaries are trying to pick out the "moral defects of society" (Johnson). Although not the most obvious message presented by the novel, this argument is extremely strong. Even the developers of Dylar, a supposed cure for the fear of death, seems to have money as one of their primary goals. This argument definitely extends past postmodernist fiction and into the real world: both the 1980's and even the present day. Society is full of plots - within the personal, business, and political sphere - plots that are detrimental to our society. Throughout the novel, DeLillo maintains a seemingly disappointed tone towards society.
In addition, Johnson also identifies the careful balance between heavy and light topics in the novel. This is an idea that our group picked up quickly, and completely agree with. Death, the main focus of the novel, is obviously a very heavy and serious topic to be discussing. However, DeLillo intermixes between the death discussions various other anecdotes involving Murray, Babette, his children, and the world around Jack. Jack, who has a extremely interrogative personality, is constantly posing questions often with a tint of humor attached. These interactions definitely break up the tone of the novel and make it much more appealing.
In addition, Johnson also identifies the careful balance between heavy and light topics in the novel. This is an idea that our group picked up quickly, and completely agree with. Death, the main focus of the novel, is obviously a very heavy and serious topic to be discussing. However, DeLillo intermixes between the death discussions various other anecdotes involving Murray, Babette, his children, and the world around Jack. Jack, who has a extremely interrogative personality, is constantly posing questions often with a tint of humor attached. These interactions definitely break up the tone of the novel and make it much more appealing.