introduction to Infinite Jest

[zenithblue]

There are two, maybe three of you tops who might care, but if anyone is into David Foster Wallace (or wants some insight into the nature of my psychotic bug-eyed obsession with said writer), Dave Eggers' introduction to the 10th anniversary edition of Infinite Jest is available here (as reprinted in the LA Weekly). I initially scoffed at the idea of Eggers introducing Wallace, but it's a quite nice introduction and pretty well expresses some of the things that are dazzling about IJ. 

I've been so grouchy lately, it's a good time to put up something I'm excited about. 

In a related note, I used chapter three from my undergraduate thesis for my critical writing sample in my applications (it's on skepticism, faith, and empathy in Infinite Jest). Upon re-reading it I realized it has everything, everything to do with "The Butterfly Mask," which is the piece of fiction I'm proudest of having written. It's probably not the most academically sound thesis in the world, in large part because it concerns itself with compassion in fiction and that's not a terribly hip subject academically speaking, but it has everything to do with what I want to write. It was good to re-read it. It made me realize that my thesis was not the failure I thought it was, but was rather just...not right for academia. Well, onwards.

Comments

[musashi270.livejournal.com]

I know nothing about him, but having seen your reviews, I will definitely go for the insight. Thanks.

On the related note, the fact that your writing was not right for academia just speaks highly of you.

[zenithblue.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

I've ultimately resigned myself to being an intellectual without a home. I always thought academia would be a good fit, but really...too much ego and dogma.

[musashi270.livejournal.com]

It is just a reminder that even (perhaps "especially") in academia, your work is not who you are. The fact that they cannot handle who you are just points to the continuing erosion of true academia in response to the continued infusion of "business culture".

[decemberthirty.livejournal.com]

It made me realize that my thesis was not the failure I thought it was, but was rather just...not right for academia.

That must be a nice realization to have. I'm glad that something as positive as this came out of all the unpleasantness of the application process.

[zenithblue.livejournal.com]

There've been actually a couple positive things, which I plan to write on soon. Right now it's just been hard to see them for all the rage and frustration. Ha.

I put my last app in the mail today. I had a crippling headache at the post office, handed it over and promptly started bawling. I wish I could say I felt a great weight lifted from my shoulders but I just feel...done. Done done done.

[scribbleeso.livejournal.com]

Ahh Eggers. That introduction fully made me smile.

I will send positive vibes out into the ether to find your apps and carry them into receptive hands.