White Noise

by

Don DeLillo

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SIMUVAC Technician Character Analysis

A man working for an organization that stages simulated evacuation drills. Jack talks to this technician during the Airborne Toxic Event, telling him the details of his exposure to Nyodene D. The technician also explains to Jack that SIMUVAC is using the real-life catastrophe of the Airborne Toxic Event as practice for future simulations, arguing that the reality of the situation poses certain frustrating variables that prevent them from rehearsing a flawless simulation. This technician also says that Jack’s exposure to Nyodene D. is cause for concern but that they won’t know more for another fifteen years—that is, if Jack is still alive at that time. This vague diagnosis unsettles Jack, who is put ill-at-ease by this blend of bad news and uncertainty.
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SIMUVAC Technician Character Timeline in White Noise

The timeline below shows where the character SIMUVAC Technician appears in White Noise. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 21
Fear, Death, and Control Theme Icon
Uncertainty and Authority Theme Icon
...announcement urging those who were possibly exposed to Nyodene D. to approach tables staffed by technicians, Denise reminds Jack that he got out of the car to refuel and that the... (full context)
Fear, Death, and Control Theme Icon
Uncertainty and Authority Theme Icon
Consumer Culture and Identity Theme Icon
Jack tells the SIMUVAC technician about his medical history, which the technician inputs into a computer. The technician tells him... (full context)
Fear, Death, and Control Theme Icon
Uncertainty and Authority Theme Icon
...own inner storms.” Working ever harder to escape, Jack remembers his conversation with the SIMUVAC technician, recalling suddenly that he is “technically dead.” Meanwhile, his family yet again carries on the... (full context)