White Noise

by Don DeLillo

White Noise: Motifs 1 key example

Definition of Motif

A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the central themes of a book... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of... read full definition
Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—A.K.A. Jack:

In Chapter 4, Jack recalls how his supervisor at the College told him that he would have to change his look in order to "be taken seriously as a Hitler innovator." Jack changes both his name and appearance for his job, and as such he feels as if he is playing a character in his own life.  He describes this feeling using a simile:

[...] the chancellor had advised me, back in 1968, to do something about my name and appearance if I wanted to be taken seriously as a Hitler innovator. Jack Gladney would not do, he said, and asked me what other names I might have at my disposal. We finally agreed that I should invent an extra initial and call myself J. A. K. Gladney, a tag I wore like a borrowed suit.