Illusion vs. Reality

     The tension between reality and artifice in Americans' lives is Delillo's main message in White Noise. The first demonstration of this is in the Most Photographed Barn in the World scene. Further instances occur in Jack's life when he attempts to impress those around him by artificial means.

     In Part Two: The Airborne Toxic Event, readers are introduced to an organization called SIMUVAC, standing for Simulated Evacuation. This organization is called in response to the Airborne Toxic Event and attempts to rescue people. Rather than viewing their years of simulations as practice for the authentic event, they see the event as preparation for simulations. The point of the exercise is not lifesaving, it is the appearance of lifesaving. This particular concept is reiterated when Murray pays a prostitute $25 to perform the Heimlich maneuver on her. The woman was not choking and did not need saving but Murray felt less helpless when he fooled himself into self-importance. 

     Dylar is a medicine which Babette takes and Jack attempts to take which relives its user of the perpetuating fear of death. Neither Jack nor Babette searches for a medicine or lifestyle that will prevent them from actually dying, they simply wish to be unaware of their predicament. This desire for an artificial escape from death carries into Jack's conversations with his son Heinrich's friend Orest. Orest wants to break the world record for longest amount of time spent in an enclosure with snakes. By purposefully exposing himself to this kind of danger, he defies death and welcomes it. Outwardly, Jack seems incredulous at the idea, repeatedly trying to convince him out of his plan. Inwardly, Jack is reminded of his own weakness and fear. Each is putting up a mask, Orest's of bravado and Jack's of concern, to hide their terror at the idea of mortality.

    While trying to discover the nature of Dylar, Jack enlists the help of Winnie. She suddenly becomes elusive and begins to run away from him when he looks for her. When questioned about it, she answers, "Isn't this what the twentieth century is all about? People go into hiding even when no one is looking for them." This statement seems to be a loose biblical allusion to Proverbs 28:1 which states: "The wicked flee when no man pursueth." DeLillo was brought up in a Roman Catholic household but now states that religion has little influence on his life. His knowledge but disbelief in the Christian faith allows him to use this phrasing to highlight the illusion of modern trends' automatic importance.

     Throughout the novel, each of the characters deludes themselves and others constantly. Their worlds are so entangled in these lies and illusions that the truth is indistinguishable. The world that DeLillo creates is a reflection and magnification of American society. So many lives are consumed by the desire to appear superior that appearances to the rest of the world eclipse the importance of true value.