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Review
. 2021 Sep 9:12:539555.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.539555. eCollection 2021.

Bodies in the Novel Infinite Jest

Ana Chapman  1 , Silvia Chapman  2 , Stephanie Cosentino  2   3
Affiliations
Review

Bodies in the Novel Infinite Jest

Ana Chapman et al. Front Psychol. .

Abstract

This manuscript provides a literary analysis of the use of bodies in the novel Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace. The novel describes a world where oversaturation of external stimulation leads to the perception of mind and body of self of an individual as prosthetic parts, malleable and deformed, wherein the mind fails to feel bodily sensations and characters experience a complete disconnectedness from the self and others. Indeed, the disembodiment of characters and sensations of disconnection leads them to a compulsive quest for connectedness through the use of masks, made-up feelings, mind-body hybrid pain, corporeal malleability, and prostheses. These portrayals of the disordered and disconnectedness between body and mind or self will be described and compared to clinical conditions characterized by a disconnection between mind and body and impaired body self-awareness. Through this exercise, we argue that the use of scientifically inspired pathologized bodies is a means of conveying the stance of Wallace on or criticism of the degradation of society through excessive entertainment.

Keywords: David Foster Wallace; body self-awareness; cognitive science; embodiment; literature.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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