Essay Questions

Why is Lianne feeling sympathetic to Keith Neudecker despite being separated?

The marriage between Lianne and Keith warped sometimes back and both decided to live in different apartments. Lianne moved with her children while Keith remained to live alone. However, in September 2011, Keith survived the World Trade Center terrorist attack and he wanted someone to comfort him. After the attack, he proceeded to his former wife Lianne. Lianne was not in love with him but she remained sympathetic just to comfort him. The two were not emotionally attached to each other.

What is the main theme in Falling Man by Don DeLillo?

The main theme is the adverse effects of terrorist attacks. The author explores how terrorism affects people during and after the attack. During the World Trade Center attack, thousands of people lost their lives. Similarly, several people were critically injured and many remained crippled till to date. Those who survived the attack like Keith and Florence are left emotionally unstable. They are tortured psychologically and they need counseling services. Additionally, terrorism results in massive destruction of property. Therefore, Don DeLillo has taken his time to highlight the detrimental impacts of terrorism which emerge as the main theme.

Why did the marriage between Keith and Lianne flop?

Don DeLillo brings Lianne into the limelight after Keith survives the terrorist attack. It is at this point that the reader recognizes that their marriage hit the rocks sometimes back. The main reason why their marriage flopped is lack of affection. According to Keith, Lianne has no feelings for him because she is so devoted to her mother. Even after their reunion after the terrorist attack, Lianne is not interested in Keith emotionally because she is still connected to her mother. However, Keith finds new love later when he shares his feelings with Florence. Florence is also a survivor of the attack and they both have similar interests and experiences.