Group Five (5)

[group5]

The movement of postmodernism suggests that there is no true definition of anything and that truth itself is simply an illusion. It was unofficially formed after the end of World War II, when America, along with the rest of the world, was left in a state of shock and disillusionment. The movement largely focuses on a cultural or intellectual state that does not have a center or controlling power, as opposed to its predecessor, modernism, which held that the center was falling apart. The developments in society, economy and culture since the 1960s also are ideas that form postmodernity. These features are commonly used in Don DeLillo’s novel White Noise. DeLillo uses the developments in society, economy, culture, and consumerism to offer his social commentary on the postmodern world and what is becoming of it. As revealed through his use of recent societal developments, White Noise is largely influenced by the postmodern movement.
A common aspect of many postmodern novels is the parody of others trying to find meaning, or a "center" in the world. This idea is epitomized in DeLillo's portrayal of the German nun, Hermann Marie. When Jack asks the nun various questions about her faith in God and heaven, the nun responds in a way that catches Gladney off guard. She answered by saying that she herself had little faith in God, and that "It is [her] task in the world to believe things that no one else takes seriously...[or else] the human race would die (303)." The people represent the modernistic ideals of antiquity, in that they are flailing at any possible way of finding a meaning to the world; in this case it is in the form of organized religion. DeLillo, through the voice of the nun, satirizes this futile attempt at finding the "center." She realizes that she exists solely so that the people have something to believe in, even if she does not have that faith herself. Hermann is postmodern in that she recognizes the impossibility of finding a center in the world, but since she is on the inside of this belief system, she also recognizes the importance of some sort of faith, no matter how futile.

[group5]

The movement of postmodernism suggests that there is no true definition of anything and that truth itself is simply an illusion. It was unofficially formed after the end of World War II, when America, along with the rest of the world, was left in a state of shock and disillusionment. The movement largely focuses on a cultural or intellectual state that does not have a center or controlling power, as opposed to its predecessor, modernism, which held that the center was falling apart. The developments in society, economy and culture since the 1960s also are ideas that form postmodernity. These features are commonly used in Don DeLillo’s novel White Noise. DeLillo uses the developments in society, economy, culture, and consumerism to offer his social commentary on the postmodern world and what is becoming of it. As revealed through his use of recent societal developments, White Noise is undoubtedly a product of the postmodern movement.

A common aspect of many postmodern novels is the parody of others trying to find meaning, or a "center" in the world. This idea is epitomized in DeLillo's portrayal of the German nun, Hermann Marie. When Jack asks the nun various questions about her faith in God and heaven, the nun responds by saying that she herself had little faith in God, and that "It is [her] task in the world to believe things that no one else takes seriously...[or else] the human race would die (303)." The nun explains that society must have people who believe in faith and tradition in order for society to operate. She elaborates that internally people know that they are right not to believe, but if belief fades completely, all hope and meaning is lost. Jack’s reaction to the nun’s comments prove that society does need believers because originally when Jack begins to talk to the nuns, he is searching for his own reassurance and support from the nuns for his own well-being. However, the nun’s harsh statements about faith shatter Jack’s emotional state and he demands that the nun’s “act like ” (303). DeLillo, through the voice of the nun, satirizes Jack’s futile attempt at finding the "center." Hermann reflects postmodernity through her realization that it is impossible to find a center in the world and since she is on the inside of this belief system, she also recognizes the importance of some sort of faith.

DeLillo’s emphasis on the power of the media on society, and extreme consumerism in White Noise parallels the post-modern era in America. Following the tragedy of World War II, society was in turmoil and in effect, people were in need of immediate satisfaction to create happiness in their lives. To accomplish this, many people reverted to superficiality and consumerism to fulfill the emptiness of their lives. However, this artificial gratification did not truly solve society’s problems because external indulgence does not face reality and the internal feelings of people. In White Noise, Jack encounters a student at the mall and the student insults his ego. After the interaction, Jack goes on a frantic shopping spree to compensate for his inadequate feelings (83). Yet, in the end, Jack feels even worse than before the encounter, thus showing the ineffectiveness of consumerism. Along with an excessive emphasis on material desires, DeLillo also demonstrates society as media-driven. When Jack drives out to view “THE MOST PHOTOGRAPHED BARN IN AMERICA,” Murray states, “We’re not here to capture an image, we’re here to maintain one. Every photograph reinforces the aura” (12).




I think its better, but we need to change the thesis, what do you guys think?

[group5]

The movement of postmodernism suggests that there is no true definition of anything and that truth itself is simply an illusion. It was unofficially formed after the end of World War II, when America, along with the rest of the world, was left in a state of shock and disillusionment. The movement largely focuses on a cultural or intellectual state that does not have a center or controlling power, as opposed to its predecessor, modernism, which held that the center was falling apart. The developments in society, economy and culture since the 1960s also are ideas that form postmodernity. These features are commonly used by Don DeLillo is his novel White Noise, where he provides social commentary on the postmodern world and what is becoming of it. As revealed through its use of recent societal developments, White Noise is undoubtedly a product of the postmodern movement.

A common aspect of many postmodern novels is the parody of others trying to find meaning, or a "center" in the world. This idea is epitomized in DeLillo's portrayal of the German nun, Hermann Marie. When Jack asks the nun various questions about her faith in God and heaven, the nun responds by saying that she herself had little faith in God, and that "It is [her] task in the world to believe things that no one else takes seriously...[or else] the human race would die” (303). The nun explains that society must have people who believe in faith and tradition in order for society to operate. She elaborates that internally people know that they are right not to believe, but if belief fades completely, all hope and meaning is lost. Jack’s reaction to the nun’s comments prove that society does need believers because when Jack begins to talk to the nuns, he is searching for reassurance and support from the nuns for his own well-being. However, the nun’s harsh statements about faith shatter Jack’s emotional state and he demands that the nun’s “act like ” (303). DeLillo, through the voice of the nun, satirizes Jack’s futile attempt at finding the "center." Hermann reflects postmodernity through her realization that it is impossible to find a center in the world and since she is on the inside of this belief system, she also recognizes the importance of some sort of faith.

DeLillo’s emphasis on the power of the media on society, and extreme consumerism in White Noise parallels the post-modern era in America. Following the tragedy of World War II, society was in turmoil and in effect, people were in need of immediate satisfaction to create happiness in their lives. To accomplish this, many people reverted to superficiality and consumerism to fulfill the emptiness of their lives. However, this artificial gratification did not truly solve society’s problems because external indulgence does not face reality and the internal feelings of people. In White Noise, Jack encounters a student at the mall and the student insults his ego. After the interaction, Jack goes on a frantic shopping spree to compensate for his inadequate feelings (83). Yet, in the end, Jack feels even worse than before the encounter, thus showing the ineffectiveness of consumerism. Along with an excessive emphasis on material desires, DeLillo also demonstrates society as media-driven. When Jack drives out to view “the most photographed barn in America,” Murray states, “We’re not here to capture an image, we’re here to maintain one. Every photograph reinforces the aura” (12). Murray and Jack are reinforcing this idea of media controlling society. By going to see the barn, they are helping to keep it the most photographed barn in America.

White Noise reflects the ideas of the postmodern literary movement because it shows how society does not have the order it seems to have and it explains the impact that consumerism and the media play in American life. One aspect of postmodernism is that there is no center to society, and the Nun scene exemplifies that. People believe what they want to believe and the idea of order in terms of religion is just an illusion. Another important part of postmodernism is the effect on society by the media and consumerism. DeLillo provides many cases where the media influences peoples’ thoughts and where people turn to consumerism to escape their problems. White Noise is an excellent example of the postmodern movement because it provides insight on concepts that are characteristic of that era.