Waning Of Affect In White Noise And The Crying Of Lot 49

5 Pages 1238 Words

A recurring theme in post modern literature is the anesthetization of feelings also known as “waning of affect”. In the novels The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon and Don DeLillo’s White Noise both authors have a common theme. The idea that the waning of affect develops as a result from the influence of television and signifiers are portrayed as themes in both novels. The elements of simulacra prevent genuine feelings, thoughts and ideas to develop. This intern causes the deterioration of relationships. The main characters in both novels, Oedipa Mass in The Crying of lot 49, and Jack Gladney in White Noise, are examples of how both authors felt the direction of future generations were headed in regards to waning of affect. A generation where feelings are learned from signifiers and outside influences not by genuine feelings or thoughts. As a result of their idealistic mentalities the characters live with fears and insecurities and are on a quest to find true meaning in there lives.
In Don DeLillo’s White Noise, Jack Gladney is the protagonist in the novel. Gladney lives with a fear of death along with his wife Babette. Gladney speaks of a dream had where he felt he experienced death and states:
Is this what death is like, abrupt, peremptory? Shouldn’t death,
I thought, I thought be a swan dive graceful white winged and
smooth, leaving the surface undisturbed?(18)
Jack Gladney has a misconception of death. Jack does not realize that death is inescapable and tries to keep his mind on insignificant things so he does not have to think or face reality. Jack and Babette both fail to realize the human affect that comes with accepting death.
Pynchon delivers the same message in The Crying of Lot 49. Oedipa Maas is the protagonist in the novel who like Jack Gladney struggles with many personal issues. Oedipa does not have a sense of reality. Oedipa is constantly questioning herself and begins a quest ...