09/29 Infinite Jest by D.F. Wallace, Week 1

[Dustin]

Ami wrote: "Sarah wrote: "It does seem like way too many references for it to be a coincidence."

There's also a section where Hal discusses digging up my father's head with Donald Gately (17)...This is though..."

Ami, I couldn't agree more, I believe the passage quoted (17) is reference to Hamlet and Hal's yearning to communicate with Himself. Especially since, like you said, the novel's title derives directly from the playwright's scene and there are many puns and disturbing, melancholic undertones throughout both. Both are very sad, and I keep wondering if IJ will eventually become tragic, as well.

Also, somewhere in the play is the phrase, "time is out of joint.."

[Dustin]

Linda wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Mekki, the "what he sees as my eye" was a good catch. I missed that."

I missed that too. I wonder what he that means by that. Hal doesn't say that he is looking AT his eyes, or "ca..."

Also like Hamlet, I think Hal is incredibly perceptive. We already know that he's VERY smart. I'm not sure how, exactly, he perceives the world, but judging from The Year of Glad, he seems almost totally inverted. The way the section's written tell us that. Possibly stemming from the infamous mold scene, I think something traumatic happened sometime in his childhood that caused him to retreat. His almost otherworldly perceptions were likely a result of that, out of necessity.

[Dustin]

Linda wrote: "Dustin wrote: "Linda, YES, I also loved and was mesmerized by the Erdedy episode! I think you might be onto something there, about a correlation between him and the insect. There are definite simil..."

Aww, this is the first I saw your comment, Linda! I'm glad you enjoyed the flashbacks.:) I'm enjoying reading everyone else's else insight, opinions, etc.. What an awesome and much needed discussion! The Erdedy scene is a still a favorite of mine, too.

[Nicola]

Dustin wrote: "John wrote: "Hillary wrote: "Ok... Is it worth downloading this book on my kindle??? I want your honest opinion."

Emphatic yes! I am greatly enjoying the book on my kindle.

although, that would ..."

I would definitely recommend a paper copy. It's the sort of book that benefits from a tree book.

[Dustin]

Nicola wrote: "Dustin wrote: "John wrote: "Hillary wrote: "Ok... Is it worth downloading this book on my kindle??? I want your honest opinion."

Emphatic yes! I am greatly enjoying the book on my kindle.

althou..."

Thank you, Nikola. And I know, right? I want a physical copy real, real bad! I've been continually on the look out for one, but no luck yet.. I will own one if it's the last thing I do!! Agreed, IJ is simply one of those books that were meant, and probably should, be read in its original format.

And you're not the only one to recommend it, either.:)