Sunday, September 14, 2008

'Infinite Jest', Unbearable Sadness



Writer David Foster Wallace found dead
The "Infinite Jest" author, 46, hanged himself at home

Author David Foster Wallace. shown here reading selections of his writing during the New Yorker Magazine Festival in New York in 2002, taught creative writing and English at Pomona College in Claremont, Calif.

CLAREMONT, Calif. - David Foster Wallace, the author best known for his 1996 novel "Infinite Jest," was found dead in his home, according to police. He was 46.

Wallace's wife found her husband had hanged himself when she returned home about 9:30 p.m. Friday, said Jackie Morales, a records clerk with the Claremont Police Department.

Wallace taught creative writing and English at nearby Pomona College.

I am so shocked and saddened. The burden of pain that creates suicide is a Dante existence, and I have the deepest empathy for anyone suffering to that fine point of hell. And- How could he do that to his wife?

Click on blog title for Salon article
Ray said...

This is just awful isn't it?

The Washington Post reported:

"Literary observers recognized Wallace for his intellect and energy. They saw a confident willingness to tackle the largest issues, to search for the deepest meanings, to extend inventiveness to its utmost, and to employ the traditional tools and techniques of fiction in service of an unapologetically modern sensibility. His notable humor was often of the dark variety."

The horrific irony here is that Wallace in his death displayed neither intellect nor energy. Nor did he tackle the large issues he was battling. Tragically he ran scared from them, and left his wife to now live with the horrible memory of the shocking scene of him hanging there dead in the house!

Wallace's wife is now faced w/ living with the fact that Wallace deserted her, wounded her, pained her. In his selfishness he left her to deal w/ everything while he took the easy out.

It is sad. Remember it is how we love others in the difficult times that reveals the "actual" depth of our courage and love.

Wallace's wife must now also live with the shame and disgrace of Wallace's desertion in his suicide, and this will be so very difficult for her.

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