Infinite Jest

We have Hal Incandenza, a teenage tennis prodigy whose brain is wired a little differently than most. Wallace’s use of metaphors and similes to describe Hal’s thought processes is so intricate, it’s like watching a spider weave a web. And speaking of webs, did you know that Hal’s father, James Incandenza, created a film so entertaining that it drives viewers into a catatonic state? I mean, who needs drugs when you’ve got a movie that can knock you out cold?

But let’s not forget about the rest of the gang. There’s Mario Incandenza, Hal’s younger brother, who’s both physically and mentally challenged. Wallace’s use of repetition and complex sentence structures to describe Mario’s perspective is like watching a magician pull a rabbit out of a hat. It’s simultaneously mind-boggling and impressive.

Then there’s Joelle Van Dyne, the beautiful and enigmatic woman who’s addicted to a drug called “Infinite Jest.” You know a book is complex when the drug it’s named after doesn’t even exist in the real world. But that’s not even the craziest part—Joelle’s addiction is so intense that she can’t even bear to look at her own reflection. Talk about taking self-loathing to a whole new level.

And let’s not forget about poor Don Gately, a recovering drug addict and former burglar whose attempts at redemption are both hilarious and heartbreaking. Wallace’s use of descriptive language and long, winding sentences to describe Don’s inner turmoil is like watching a gymnast perform a complicated routine. It’s awe-inspiring but also a little dizzying.

But here’s the thing: as wild and wacky as these characters may seem, there’s a deeper, more relatable aspect to their stories. Hal’s struggles with communication and identity, Mario’s unwavering loyalty and kindness, Joelle’s fear of her own reflection, and Don’s search for meaning and redemption—these are all universal themes that anyone can relate to.