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"Observacion of these Articles": Surveillance and the 1970s in David Foster Wallace's The Pale King.

"Observacion of these Articles": Surveillance and the 1970s in David Foster Wallace's The Pale King.

Authors :
West, Mark
Source :
Critique; 2018, Vol. 59 Issue 2, p223-234, 12p
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

This essay argues that critics have overlooked the importance of the 1970s in David Foster Wallace's The Pale King. Critical focus on the novel's depiction of 1980s neoliberalism downplays the way it asks readers to consider that decade's changes to be dependent on the transformation of civic ideals in the 1970s. This can be seen most clearly in Chris Fogle's narrative, which this essay argues is an emblematic 1970s story, incorporating the decade's tropes of malaise, uncertainty, self-examination, and surveillance. While Fogle's conversion from selfish student to IRS worker may be seen to run counter to the growth of individualism and suspicion of institutions in the 1970s, this essay argues that Wallace uses it to revive and ventriloquize arguments about civic-mindedness that took place in the 1970s, ultimately offering a definition of civic-mindedness that echoes the work of writers such as Christopher Lasch and Robert N. Bellah. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
19399138
Volume :
59
Issue :
2
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Critique
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
128104930
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/00111619.2017.1360833