Further Proof of the Evil Nature of D.F.W.

[Derek C. Maus]

On Mon, 14 Dec 1998, Darcy wrote:

> Really, though, I have to laugh at someone who's read 1/10 of _Infinite
> Jest_ and determined that it's merely a rip-off of _White Noise_ (though,
> okay, it is at least true that DeLillo is much more of an influence on DFW
> than Pychon is).

I stand by my comment that Wallace needs an editor to tell him to stop
cribbing DeLillo. If not in the remaining 90% of _INFINITE JEST_, then in
his personal interviews (possibly hoaxy one quoted notwithstanding). For
what it's worth, I've read _A SUPPOSEDLY FUN THING I'LL NEVER DO AGAIN_,
which strikes me as very much derived from the perceived attitude of
DeLillo...and not particularly well-done either. Just my opinion. Feel
free not to share it. Since 1/10 of the book is 110 pages, I don't see
what's laughable. it's not like I read, "A Screaming comes across the sky"
and set the book down... 

> But _IJ_ has none of the awful, unnerving, hollow,
> clinical detachment of _White Noise_ (which I enjoyed immensely, don't get
> me wrong) -- Wallace is attempting something else entirely here, which
> becomes apparent once you actually get past the exposition.

Maybe if I could stand to get past the exposition, that would be okay. For
those who complained about the length or obliqueness of the "set-up" in
_MASON & DIXON_ or _UNDERWORLD_, let me suggest a traipse through INFINITE
JEST's opening salvo, comprising at least eight or nine full signatures. 

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Derek C. Maus               |   "Don't go around saying the world
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