In "The Disappointment Artist," Jonathan Lethem explores the concept of postmodernism, suggesting it may be an unavoidable state of being in contemporary society. Through this lens, he examines how individuals grapple with narrative and meaning in a world rich with disillusionment. This inquiry reflects a broader cultural sentiment, where traditional frameworks of understanding often seem inadequate. Lethem's provocative question, "May one plead, Your Honor, postmodernism as an involuntary condition?" prompts readers to consider how external influences shape personal experience. This highlights the tension between individual agency and the pervasive effects of postmodern thought, raising important discussions about identity and responsibility in a fragmented reality.

In "The Disappointment Artist," Jonathan Lethem explores the concept of postmodernism, suggesting it may be an unavoidable state of being in contemporary society. Through this lens, he examines how individuals grapple with narrative and meaning in a world rich with disillusionment. This inquiry reflects a broader cultural sentiment, where traditional frameworks of understanding often seem inadequate.

Lethem's provocative question, "May one plead, Your Honor, postmodernism as an involuntary condition?" prompts readers to consider how external influences shape personal experience. This highlights the tension between individual agency and the pervasive effects of postmodern thought, raising important discussions about identity and responsibility in a fragmented reality.