Discussion Nine – Infinite Jest - Page 809 - 902

[Jim]

This discussion covers Page 809 – 902


Begins: “The ceiling was breathing. It bulged and receded.”

Don Gately lies in his bed in St. Elizabeth’s Hospital’s Trauma Wing, watching the ceiling bulge and recede just like his childhood’s Herman used to do. Tiny Ewell delivers a lengthy Sharing to Gately, apparently unaware or unconcerned about whether Gately is conscious or not. Pat Montesian pops in to ensure Don that all is well back at Ennet House. Next up is Calvin Thrust, who teases Gately by presenting and withdrawing, as porn stars tend to do. Geoffrey Day pops in but makes little impact. A garden variety Wraith does his impression of the ghost of Himself, who Gately really thinks should have Come In. Balbalis leads team le switcheroo down route #91. Dreaming about Mrs. Waite, Gately stumbles onto the samizdat plot. Hal stands on one foot and contemplates the meaning of fallen snow. Joelle shares her family photo album with Gately. Up and about early, Hal finds Stice stuck. Tine Sr. previews a pre-emptive PSA with a few mucky-mucks. More fun in the Trauma Wing with Gately Entertaining an old craving. Hal discovers horizontality.


To avoid spoilers, please limit your comments to page 809 – 902 (and the earlier pages).