Literary Analysis (#5 + #6)

Infinite Jest, written by David Foster Wallace, is a novel unlike anything I have read previously. Due to its length, it is both mind-numbing and grueling to read. Honestly, I have yet to finish the novel, but I feel that I have benefited from what little I have read. So, in honor of sharing its greatness with the public, I will attempt at summarizing what I have grasped from the novel thus far.

Background information:

Not only does this novel have outstanding themes and characters that anyone can relate to, it is recognized by Time as one of the greatest novels of all time. Additionally,  David Foster Wallace received the award for "Best Author of the Year" for writing this novel in 1994. It has more characters than you can probably keep track of, but there is bound to be someone in this novel that is similar to you either in terms of mindset or personality. Personally, I find myself closest to Hal and Ken - almost like a mix of the two. When you read this novel, which I recommend that you do, you may be surprised that I think I relate to them.

Characters:

As stated earlier, there is a large amount of characters embedded within this novel, and they are not all equally memorable. So, to keep things short, I will describe the characters that I feel are most important thus far.

Hal - A tennis prodigy and young genius, Hal often has mental breakdowns when confronted and stressed.

Ken - An addict with a paranoid characteristic in nearly everything he takes part in. His addiction includes, but is not limited to, marijuana and other substances induced for pleasures.

The Prince - The mysterious, wealthy young man watching over Hal's father's tapes. Not much is known of this character at this time.

Mario - Hal's mentally disabled younger brother. All that is known is that he has an unknown mental condition and he lives with Hal. He will constantly ask Hal personally questions.

Plot synopsis/novel overview:

The novel takes place over the course of different years (Year names are bought by corporations in this universe). Each chapter will jump from past to future, future to past, or be in the present for a few chapters consecutively. Additionally, the chapters also mark a point of character change. For example, one chapter you might be in Hal's head, and the next you'll be in the Prince's.

As of now, the plot revolves around the idea that there is a missing tape, created by Hal's father, titled Infinite Jest. Once the viewer finishes watching the majestic film, they lose all interest in doing anything productive. In other words, the viewer becomes lifeless. So, the novel follows multiple characters in pursuit for the master copy of Infinite Jest, due to its unknown powers.

Themes/ideas/messages:

The central message/idea is based around addiction. As stated above (The Infinite Jest cartridge), addiction plays a major role in a person's life and can affect how the act entirely. So, due to this idea, the theme that I predict is the central point of the novel is: Addiction is all around us. The only way to prevent oneself from being affected be their interests is to always be aware of its addictive qualities. One's awareness will prevent them from losing their minds/themselves.