

Episode 64: Patrick Deneen on DeLillo's White Noise
Feb 16, 2024
Political theorist Patrick Deneen delves into Don DeLillo's 'White Noise,' unpacking existential themes amid modern distractions. The discussion reveals the absurdities of contemporary life as seen through the lens of the protagonist, Jack Gladney, and his unconventional family. Deneen highlights consumer culture's chaos and the quest for meaning in relationships, while reflecting on memory, love, and mortality. The interplay of humor and deep philosophical inquiry offers a thought-provoking take on how literature mirrors our societal struggles.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Intro
00:00 • 2min
Returning to Tulsa: A Conversation on DeLillo's Humor in White Noise
01:38 • 2min
Exploring 'White Noise': Consumerism and Chaos
03:27 • 7min
Exploring Absurdity and Family Dynamics in a Modern Novel
10:44 • 5min
Existential Echoes in 'White Noise'
16:07 • 11min
Exploring Love, Death, and Memory in 'White Noise'
27:06 • 28min
Contemplating Transcendence and Modernity in Literature
54:51 • 4min