Boaz 1

Elizabeth Boaz
Ms. Gardner
English 10 period 0
6 November 2014

Annotated Bibliographies
Literary Criticism
Dewey, Joseph. "The Dark Humor of White Noise." In Bloom, Harold, ed. Dark Humor, Bloom's
Literary Themes. New York: Chelsea House, 2010. Bloom's Literature. Facts On File,
Inc. Web. 28 Oct. 2014

Deweys article, The Dark Humor of White Noise relates the idea of ironic humor to a very
serious plot and concept. Dewey describes how without the tragic humor, White Noise would
be completely tragic itself. Don DeLillos main character, Jack Gladney, possesses a quirky
family, frets about the smallest details, and is obsessed with the idea of death. The fact that this
character is so completely pathetic makes this novel a humorous read.

Dewey offers a new perspective on White Noise, stating the obvious that the reader has not yet
considered. Deweys balanced amount of summary, analysis, critique and evaluation helps the
reader further their understanding of the novel and contemplate the overall theme of DeLillos
bestseller, White Noise.

Boaz 2

Duvall, John N. "The (Super)Marketplace of Images: Television as Unmediated Mediation in

DeLillo's White Noise." Infobase Learning - Login. N.p., 1994. Web. 11

Nov. 2014.

In John Duvall's article, "The (Super)Marketplace of Images: Television as Unmediated

Mediation in DeLillo's White Noise", Duvall infers that the use of Jack Gladney's television and
the supermarket his family shops at are reoccurring symbols in the novel, White Noise. Every
Friday night, the Gladney members gather around the family television and watch natural
disasters happen in other parts of the world. Duvall argues that this reveals a great deal about the
Gladneys- that they are often living in another world, watching other people, choosing to pay
attention to any place rather then the present.

Duvall's article is very clear and precise, explaining small details that the reader may have had
questions about at the end of the novel. Duvall is very insightful in his review, analyzing and
explaining the reoccurring symbols in White Noise, deepening the reader's comprehension and
providing new thoughts to mull over.

Information about Don DeLillo

Passaro, Vince. "Dangerous Don DeLillo." The New York Times On The Web. The New York

Times, 19 May 1991. Web. 13 Nov. 2014.

In Vince Passaro's article, "Dangerous Don DeLillo", Passaro describes the process of DeLillo
going from a "nobody" author to a famous, beyond successful writer. Passaro describes how

Boaz 3

DeLillo started with a few novels, always with a clever theme and storyline. Towards the
beginning of his career, DeLillo was very private about his personal life. The back cover of his
novels provided no bibliography, but simply a list of his other reads. As DeLillo became more
and more widely known, he opened up; agreeing to do interviews, speak to the press, and even
provide a few autobiographies for the back of his books.

Vince Passaro provides a clear understanding about Don DeLillo, explaining DeLillo's career
from the beginning to the present. Passaro uses specific diction to clarify the tiny yet significant
details about how DeLillo became the famous writer he is today. Throughout his article, Passaro
constantly relates the beginning of DeLillo's profession to where he stands now, making an
impressive comparison to his readers and expressing just how far DeLillo has come.

"Don DeLillo Biography." Don DeLillo Biography. Perival.com, 24 Feb. 1998.

Web. 13 Nov.

2014.

In an unknown author's article, "Don DeLillo Biography", the reader sees bits and pieces of
different interviews with DeLillo stitched together to provide a biography on Don DeLillo. This
article includes information about DeLillo's family life, childhood memories, his developing
talents as he grew older, and just how he became to be the writer he's become.

This article is very helpful for fans of DeLillo who want to know all about his life. "Don DeLillo
Biography" provides information from day one to today. The fact that there are direct quotes

Boaz 4

from DeLillo in this article about his own personal story makes this biography an interesting read
for supporters everywhere.

Information on Themes from White Noise

Jackson, Wayne. "The Fear of Death." Christian Courier. Christian Courier, 2014. Web. 13 Nov.

2014.

In Wayne Jackson's article, "The Fear of Death", Jackson addresses a reoccurring theme in White
Noise and a universal phobia. We are all afraid of the unknown- and death is a part of that. It is
feared all around the world- different places just have different ways of showing it. Death is
something we are all scared to accept, but is in fact the only thing guaranteed in life.

Jackson supports his thesis very clearly by providing specific examples that his readers can relate
to- such as how in America, we dress our deceased to make them appear appear lifelike and
alive. This shows that we have a hard time letting go of our deceased and accepting death itself.
Jackson uses allusions to make an easy connection for his readers; alluding to The Odyssey- a
novel we all had to read in school, and the Bible- something we have all heard of or read.

Tyrell, Mark. "Dealing with a Fear of Death." Uncommon Help.me. Uncommon Help, n.d. Web.

14 Nov. 2014.

Boaz 5

In Mark Tyrell's article, "Dealing With A Fear of Death", Tyrell addresses the fact that death is an
inevitable part of our lives, and is something we have to deal with and eventually accept. Tyrell
provides advice for coming to peace with the idea of death, instructing one to use the awareness
of death to help one live an exciting and unforgettable life.

Tyrell's article is very helpful for those afraid of death and scared to accept it. Tyrell's gentle
instructions make one feel better about the concept of dying; stating that it's a part of life, so it's
pointless to be afraid of it. Tyrell's article is helpful, kind, constructive, and supportive.