Blog Post#5: Irish Luggage everywhere

Well, this section of the reading is certainly chock full of happenings. We have John N.R. Wayne (of Homo Duplex fame) having a late night role play with Moms. Also, we have Gately manhandling some gentlemen and suffering a bullet wound. However, the most interesting section for me has to be Randy Lenz’s nighttime activities.
Thus [...]

Blog Post #4: Why pursue happiness?

So in reading many of the reviews of Infinite Jest, it seems like many people have defined the book as a quest for happiness, satisfaction, etc. However, in reading the novel more and more, it seems like the goal of happiness is losing more and more stock. The possession of happiness or satisfaction becomes a [...]

Blog Post#3: The Science of Suicide?

I suppose since I’ve been drawn to the human weakness aspect of the novel overall, it is no surprise that the two suicides in this section seem to jump out at me.
I think the most disturbing part of the suicide sections is not the acts themselves, but rather the meticulous planning that seems to go [...]

Blog Post #2- Disguises Abound

As we discussed yesterday, secrecy is seemingly an important part of Wallace’s narrative. Whether it is Ken hiding behind his drawn shades, or Hal getting high in the pump room, a false guise seems to be the status quo.
While this seems perfectly understandable in regard to drug use, Wallace extends this secrecy to other parts [...]