Don DeLillo the author of, “White
Noise” writes a contemporary American fiction,which
focuses on the
life of Jack Gladney. Jack is a professor of Hitler studies at a
liberal arts
college in Middle America. Gladney and his colleagues
which include; New York expatriates,
immerse themselves in “American magic and dread.” Beside
his professional aspect of life,
Jack shares his life with his fourth wife,Babbette, and their four
children from previous marriages.
Jack and Babbette are bound by
their passion and love for one another, also as sharing the
fear of
death. This modern day family goes through a rocky life,with common
babbling of
brand-name consumerism. Later a black toxic cloud floats over their lives, which was
caused
by an industrial accident. “White Noise” is resembled by
the menacing cloud swallowing
the Gladney family. This cloud merges
into transmissions, sirens, microwaves, and ultrasound
appliances
holding life, and the danger of death.Tom Leclair, a teacher at the
University of
Cincinnati and the author of, “ In the Loop and the Art of Excess,” paints a better
perspective
of, “White Noise.” Leclair describes the title of
“White Noise,” as “air travel,” (388).
He continues by
summarizing the story. This tale is based on “a middle-aged father who
seeks
refuge from the largeness of things- the complexities of information
and communication
that surrounds him-- in marriage and children”
(388). Leclair explains that consumerism and
idolize and
symbolizes by the supermarket. He continues, by explaining the toxic cloud that
devours the Gladney
family. After jack Gladney is exposed to the toxic cloud, he later
goes
to the town of Iron. Leclair says, “ second half he returns to
Iron city in quest of a drug that
would let him evade his fear of
death” (390). This sentences in detail states that Jack is trying
to put off death. The fear is that strong where he would
leave Blacksmith only to find a cure
for his exposure. This deepen American tragedy is
expressed heart felt both by Don DeLillo
and Tom Leclair summarized criticism.
References: Don DeLillo, author of "White Noise" Page, 389. Tom LeClair author of, " Closing the Loop: White Noise.
