"White Noise" is a novel by Don DeLillo that centers on the life of Jack Gladney, a professor who specializes in Hitler Studies. The narrative explores the mundane yet complex reality of his family life and their interactions with modern society. Jack's household is filled with noise and distraction, epitomizing the chaos of contemporary life. Themes of consumerism, identity, and the omnipresence of technology permeate the story, reflecting the anxieties of a world overloaded with information.
The plot thickens when Jack's life is disrupted by an environmental disaster that leads to exposure to toxic fumes. This crisis forces Jack and his family to confront their mortality and the implications of death in a world that seems obsessed with distraction. The absurdity of their situation serves as a commentary on how people navigate fear and uncertainty in life, often resorting to denial or superficial comforts.