Don DeLillo
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Donald Richard DeLillo
Common Aliases: Don DeLillo
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: November 20, 1936
Death Date: N/A
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Novelist, Playwright, Essayist
Early Life and Background
Don DeLillo was born on November 20, 1936, in the Bronx, New York City, to Italian immigrants. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, DeLillo was immersed in the vibrant cultural tapestry of post-war America. His early life was marked by a deep engagement with the arts, particularly film and literature, which would later influence his narrative style. DeLillo attended Cardinal Hayes High School and went on to study at Fordham University, where he graduated with a degree in Communication Arts in 1958. His early career was spent in advertising, a field that honed his skills in concise and impactful communication, a trait evident in his later literary works.
Major Accomplishments
Don DeLillo is celebrated as one of the most influential American novelists of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. His literary career, spanning over five decades, has been marked by numerous accolades, including the National Book Award for his novel "White Noise" in 1985. DeLillo has also received the PEN/Faulkner Award, the Jerusalem Prize, and the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction, among others. His works have been translated into numerous languages, cementing his status as a global literary figure.
Notable Works or Actions
DeLillo's oeuvre is characterized by its exploration of themes such as consumerism, technology, and the complexities of modern life. His breakthrough novel, "White Noise," is a satirical take on the pervasive influence of media and technology. "Libra," another significant work, delves into the conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. "Underworld," often hailed as his magnum opus, weaves a complex narrative that spans several decades, capturing the essence of American culture and history. DeLillo's ability to dissect the intricacies of contemporary society with precision and wit has made his works essential reading for those seeking to understand the modern condition.
Impact and Legacy
Don DeLillo's impact on literature is profound, with his works often cited as quintessential examples of postmodern fiction. His narrative style, characterized by its sharp dialogue and keen observations, has influenced a generation of writers. DeLillo's exploration of the intersection between technology, media, and identity resonates in an era increasingly defined by digital communication and global interconnectedness. His novels are frequently included in academic curricula, reflecting their enduring relevance and appeal.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Don DeLillo is widely quoted and remembered for his incisive commentary on the human experience in the face of technological and cultural shifts. His ability to articulate the anxieties and absurdities of modern life with clarity and depth has made his quotes resonate with readers and thinkers alike. DeLillo's works offer a mirror to society, reflecting both its triumphs and its follies, and his insights continue to inspire discussions on the nature of reality, identity, and the future. As a chronicler of the contemporary zeitgeist, DeLillo's legacy endures through his profound and thought-provoking contributions to literature.
Quotes by Don DeLillo
Don DeLillo's insights on:
Men with secrets tend to be drawn to each other, not because they want to share what they know but because they need the company of the like minded, the fellow afflicted.
Air travel reminds us who we are. It’s the means by which we recognize ourselves as modern. The process removes us from the world and sets us apart from each other. We wander in the ambient noise, checking one more time for the flight coupon, the boarding pass, the visa.
That's why people take vacations. Not to relax or find excitement or see new places. To escape the death that exists in routine things.
Nostalgia is a product of dissatisfaction and rage. It´s a settling of grievances between the present and the past.
People getting older become more fond of objects. I think this is true. Particular things. A leather-bound book, a piece of furniture, a photograph, a painting, the frame that holds the painting. These things make the past seem permanent. A baseball signed by a famous player, long dead. A simple coffee mug. Things we trust. They tell an important story. A person’s life, all those who entered and left, there’s a depth, a richness.
The book was a challenge, a secondhand paperback crammed with huge and violent emotions in small crowded type on waterlogged pages.
You don’t know the connection? You don’t know that every privilege in your life and every thought in your mind depends on the ability of the two great powers to hang a threat over the planet?