Don DeLillo is an American novelist whose postmodernist works delve into media saturation, technology, and language. His novels, including 'White Noise' and 'Underworld', have earned critical acclaim and awards, reflecting on contemporary issues and the human condition. DeLillo's style and influence have left a significant mark on American literature.
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Don DeLillo's working-class Italian-American family and upbringing have been a source of thematic inspiration throughout his career
Early Reading Habits
While working as a parking attendant, DeLillo had time to read various modernist authors, which influenced his literary journey
Education and Career
DeLillo graduated from Fordham University with a degree in Communication Arts before pursuing a full-time writing career
DeLillo's debut novel, "Americana," marked the beginning of his full-time writing career and introduced his unique narrative voice to the literary world
DeLillo's literary works are renowned for their postmodernist style, which explores themes such as media saturation, technology, and the complexities of language
Early Works
DeLillo's early works, such as "End Zone" and "Great Jones Street," demonstrate his ability to address a wide range of topics, from football to rock music
Later Works
DeLillo's experiences traveling in the Middle East and Greece influenced his later works, including "The Names" and "White Noise."
DeLillo gained recognition as a significant figure in American literature, underscored by the Guggenheim Fellowship he received in 1978 and the National Book Award for Fiction for "White Noise."
DeLillo's fictional account of Lee Harvey Oswald and the Kennedy assassination, "Libra," was both celebrated and criticized for its narrative depth and speculative approach to historical events
Considered his magnum opus, "Underworld" received widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades for its intricate narrative and ambitious scope
Shift in Narrative Style
DeLillo's focus shifted to more concise narratives in the 21st century, as seen in "The Body Artist" and "Cosmopolis," which still grapple with modern existential concerns
Engagement with Contemporary Issues
"Falling Man" is a direct engagement with the September 11 attacks, while "Zero K" contemplates mortality and the quest for immortality
DeLillo has also contributed to the literary world as a playwright, essayist, and short story writer, delving into topics ranging from the JFK assassination to the cultural aftermath of 9/11
DeLillo's distinctive postmodernist style and reflections on the nature of fiction, fear, and the individual's place in society have influenced his contemporaries and subsequent generations of writers
DeLillo's ongoing collaboration with the Library of America and his lasting impact on American letters through his incisive commentary on historical and cultural phenomena, critique of consumerism and politics, and innovative narrative voice
00
The renowned American author ______ was born on ______ in ______.
Don DeLillo
November 20, 1936
New York City
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______'s first novel, titled '______', was published in ______ and signaled the start of his career as a writer.
Don DeLillo
Americana
1971
02
DeLillo's thematic exploration in early works
Early novels like 'End Zone' and 'Great Jones Street' explore diverse themes: football and rock music.
