Similar to many other opinions that
have been expressed, I too, have a problem with the author’s style of writing.
But I will give this novel a chance before I immediately decide I dislike it. I do wish DeLillo would have included a few
more “he said” “she said” references to help me out. But it does make the story
more authentic, especially in portraying how chaotic conversations can be. This
is something Dr. Dyer alluded to in class.
Bill Gray is an interesting fellow.
I can understand the pressure one would feel after having written such a successful
book in the past. Now, he must feel he has to beat himself, essentially, by once
again succeeding in producing a successful piece. I can also understand how
publishing his novel will make him feel like he is completely exposed to the
world. When I read literature I find myself failing to distinguish between the “speaker”
and the “author.” I do know that they are often separated and distinguished.
However, it is something I have to remind myself of sometimes. Even when they
are separated, I feel like it is inevitable that some of the author’s
personality, ideals, and ways of thinking are going to be exposed and revealed
to the world. Maybe this is the way Bill feels and why he keeps his work to
himself. He seems like a guy who likes his privacy.
On page 48 he reveals to Karen, “the
deeper I become entangled in the process of getting a sentence right in its
syllables and rhythms, the more I learn about myself.” Writing used to be a big part of Bill’s
identity. However, he also states that
now he has forgotten what it means to write and fails to see himself in his
writing. In a sense Bill has psyched himself out. Perhaps he is struggling in
his work because he can no longer identify or recognize himself.
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