Hyper reality, Discursive Power and Resistance in Don Delillo's White Noise

Abstract

The exertion of power is interwoven with the concept of the loss of the real in Don DeLillo’s White Noise (1985). The present study aims to survey the relations between power and loss of the real in this novel based on Jean Baudrillard's postmodern theories of hyperreality and simulation, and Michel Foucault's theories of power discourses and resistance. As a qualitative, research-based study, this article highlights discourses of power like media, advertising, supermarkets and medical technology to show how reality is concealed and hyperreality takes its place in the novel. According to Foucault, discourses generate power. It is discussed that discourses of power dominate people and they successfully pretend to be the only source of validation. It shall be indicated that the Gladneys are influenced by such exertions of power. However, Jack Gladney resists the power and tries to make other characters aware of the manipulative power of media, advertisements and medical technology which produces a fake drug called Dylar. Besides, Murray resists the persuasive power of advertising of supermarkets by not buying the advertised brands and products which distorts the reality behind consumerism of postmodernism. Therefore, the findings of the study show that there are significant relations between the exertion of power and the loss of the real in White Noise (1985).