White Noise

TRANSFERS IN HUMANITY

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One of the interesting themes in the novel White Noise by Don DeLillo is its treatment of `waves and radiation ' which can be reflected in the first chapter . The details of the s in the opening chapter signify the essence of the theme of `waves and radiation , which largely provide the backdrop for the proceeding chapters

To understand how the first chapter fits into the novel 's theme of `waves and radiation , it is an imperative to

primarily analyze the literal definition of the theme and its contextual usage in the novel or , more precisely , in the novel 's opening chapter . Furthermore , in to obtain a thorough analysis of the first chapter , it is also an imperative to identify key points in the first chapter 's paragraphs and juxtapose them together with the theme of `waves and radiation

The phrase `waves and radiation ' can be looked upon in two ways : first as separate terms `waves ' and `radiation ' and , second , as the entire phrase itself . The term `wave ' refers to a form of transferring energy from one point to another (Kreider ,

. 933 ) while `radiation ' pertains to the energy itself that is manifested as waves (Tawn ,

. 7 . The combination of both terms is quite easy to comprehend as both refer to concepts in physics . On the other hand , the contextual usage of `waves and radiation ' in the opening chapter can be reflected on the detailed s of the environment - a common device among novels in introductory chapters - or the setting and the other characters

More importantly , one should note that underlying emphasis DeLillo gives to mass media by mentioning objects like stereo sets , radios , personal computers ' as well as the cartons of phonograph records and cassettes (DeLillo ,

. 2 . All these amount to the idea that the author recognizes mass media 's impact on the lives of men . That is , mass media has predominantly altered the way humanity has lived , sending the message that the attachment men has given to mass media has become so rigid and tense that it is almost impossible to live without these objects . And what better way there is to stuff the metaphor of mass media than placing them under the theme `waves and radiation ' - the indicator of the transfer of the interests and dispositions of humanity about their lives as an effect of mass media

Hence , the theme of `waves and radiation ' can be noted as a phrase denoting the furtherance of mass media among humanity . The influx of students - reminiscent of the freshest minds of the society ready to absorb what lies beyond themselves - which the narrator sees as a spectacle every September for twenty-one years (DeLillo

. 2 ' has become a trend , an annual event which has become nothing short of the ordinary . Even by mentioning the idea that cars turn left for the supermarket (DeLillo ,

. 3 ' at the closing paragraph of the chapter indicates that people...