Denial of Death essays

Denial of Death essays One of the major focuses of Don DeLillios White Noise is death. In this novel DeLillio over emphasizes the concept of death and the fear mankind has of it. He plays on our fear of death and the reality and certainty we have of our own demise. Through two of his main characters, Jack and Babette, DeLillio demonstrates this fear irrationally. Their phobia of death causes both characters to develop plots to avoid and deny their own deaths. All plots tend to move deathward(p26). This is very ironic logic that DeLillio has Jack use in his discussion with the department heads. Jack plotted to create an image for himself. Jacks whole personification is one that is larger than life, therefore larger than death. After all he walks the campus in a dark, flowing robe and wearing large dark glasses. He is known as J.A.K. Gladney, the originator of Hitler studies, a role in which he can hide from life. This is a concept most individuals are guilty of. We create a public image, a personification, of who we want the world to believe we are. Though not grand as Jacks our personifications allows us to hide our deepest fears and to create a shield between the world and us. In his professional life Jack is able to disguise himself from death. This superficial personification does not shield him from deaths watch at home. He and Babette enjoy a marriage that allows them to talk openly and intimately about everything, except death; their deepest fear. Who will die first. This is a question that comes up from time to time.(p15) Neither character wants to be the last to die. To die first would be easier. To die last would be to die alone. To die alone is the ultimate betrayal. Abandoned by the one you love, whether it is because they preceded you in death or for other reasons is probably the most devastating experience any human being could imagine. This is one o ...