Abstract

This essay will make a study on DeLillo’s masterpiece, White Noise, from a relatively new and complete perspective. In contrast to previous researches, this paper’s focus is on the causes of spiritual crisis. This thesis starts with a brief introduction to the research background，including main plots of the novel and some basic information of the author. Major contents for this paper include illustration of the potential culprits for spiritual crisis in the novel, such as the mass media, the consumerist society and the technology. Then by reading the novel carefully and intensively and by collecting related professional books, articles and journals at home and abroad, we attempt to resonate with modern people so as to have a deeper reflection on the topic, from which we are able to see how Don DeLillo, in more than 30 years ago, the postmodern times, has foreseen the contemporary crisis we are facing now.

Keywords: the mass media; the consumerist society; science and technology

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1.-Introduction-1

1.1-Research Background-1

1.2-Literature Review-1

2.-The Consumerist Society—Culprit for the Spiritual Emptiness and the Loss of True Self-3

2.1-The Destroyer of  Mental Health-3

2.1.1-Gladney’s multiple identity-3

2.1.2-The Attitude of Babette towards Cheese-4

2.2-The Substitute of Belief-4

Hermann Marie’s Words-4

3.-The Mass Media—Culprit for the Loss of True Self-5

3.1-The Source of Imitation-5

3.1.1-Steffie’s Strange Behavior-5

3.2-The Source of “Authoritative" Knowledge-6

3.2.1-Steffie’s and Heinrich’s perceptions-6

3.2.2-Illusory Sequelae of The Airborne Toxic Event-6

4.-The Technology—A Pivotal Factor in Spiritual Crisis-7

4.1-The Trigger of the Crisis-7

4.1.1-“Dylarama" Farce-7

4.1.2-The Airborne Toxic Event-7

5.-Conclusion-8

5.1-Summary of the Thesis-8

5.2-Limitation of the Thesis-8

References-9