“The future belongs to crowds.”
The aspect of the crowd is explored in the narrative in both literal and symbolic manner concerning congregation, religion, customs, and politics. The author focuses on the obsessive or fanatical way people gather around an ideology or a common interest. In one instance the story around Karen demonstrates the cult-like following of the Unification Church that involves overzealous devotion. Furthermore, the narrative also entails occasions where crowds flock for a customary event such as marriage and funeral. Fundamentally addressing the idea of devotion and fanaticism of society around concepts from political agendas to religion.
“No body knows how to feel and they're checking around for hints.”
As the narrative emphasizes fanaticism, devotion, and also radicalism it illustrates how these constructions are nurtured. The plot point of the Unification Church explores how an individual can surrender their autonomy and individuality for a larger idea. Furthermore, political agenda such as Maoism is demonstrated through the character Haddad in pushing the idea. Therefore the narrative of how society is mostly constructed around people inclining towards institutions or ideas with a crowd. Thus the assertion highlights the nature of humans in looking for an accepted sentiment in order to express it.
“There’s the life and there’s the consumer event. Everything around us tends to channel our lives toward some final reality in print or on film.”
The protagonist is a writer who is searching for perfection and so the novel shows the plight of an artist. Through the character, DeLillo explores the struggle of an artist when it comes to creating new material and achieving perfection. An artist faces challenges that range from writer’s block, unhealthy obsession, and fear of staleness. Therefore Gray is in pursuit of a perfect novel and is haunted by this frustration. Thus, the assertion highlights the journey of art imitating life but through the keenness and prowess of the artists.
