Our book group choice for June 2017 is Brief Interviews with Hideous Men by David Foster Wallace. Although Brief Interviews with Hideous Men is a collection of short stories, its unifying threads make it an almost-novel.
Brief Interviews with Hideous Men is a short story collection by David Foster Wallace, first published in 1999. The collection consists of 23 stories, all of which are told in the form of interviews with men who are, in the words of the title, “hideous.” The men in these stories are all flawed and damaged in some way, and their stories often explore themes of alienation, loneliness, and despair.
One of the most striking things about Brief Interviews with Hideous Men is its use of language. Wallace’s prose is dense and complex, and he often uses long, winding sentences to create a sense of claustrophobia and unease. The stories are also full of philosophical and theological references, which add to their sense of intellectual depth.
Another notable aspect of Brief Interviews with Hideous Men is its humor. Wallace’s stories are often darkly funny, and he has a gift for finding the absurd in even the most disturbing situations. This humor helps to offset the book’s darker themes, and it makes it more accessible to a wider audience.
One of the most famous stories in Brief Interviews with Hideous Men is “The Depressed Person.” In this story, a man named John Dolan tells the interviewer about his struggles with depression. Dolan’s story is both harrowing and hilarious, and it provides a powerful insight into the nature of mental illness.
Another notable story is “The Suffering Channel.” In this story, a man named Hal Incandenza describes a television channel that broadcasts nothing but footage of people suffering. The channel is a metaphor for the way that we are constantly bombarded with images of violence and suffering in the media.
Brief Interviews with Hideous Men is a challenging and disturbing book, but it is also a rewarding one. Wallace’s stories are beautifully written and thought-provoking, and they offer a unique perspective on the human condition.
In addition to the stories mentioned above, other notable stories in Brief Interviews with Hideous Men include:
- “The Little Sister”
- “The Crying of Lot 49”
- “Good Old Neon”
- “The Semplica Girl Diaries”
- “Forever Overhead”
Here are some additional thoughts on the book:
- Brief Interviews with Hideous Men is a book that is full of contradictions. The stories are both funny and disturbing, hopeful and despairing. This sense of contradiction is one of the things that makes the book so powerful.
- The book is also a meditation on the nature of fiction. Wallace explores the ways in which fiction can be used to explore the darker side of the human experience.
- Brief Interviews with Hideous Men is a book that is not afraid to ask difficult questions. Wallace confronts the reader with the reality of suffering and evil.
Discussion Questions Brief Interviews with Hideous Men
- What is the significance of the title, Brief Interviews with Hideous Men?
- What are the common themes and motifs that run through the book?
- How does Wallace use humor to explore serious topics?
- What is the role of women in the book?
- What is the relationship between the narrator and the interviewees?
- What is the significance of the recurring number 13?
- How does the book explore the nature of truth and reality?
- What is the role of language in the book?
- How does the book challenge traditional notions of masculinity?
- What is the significance of the book’s ending?
- How does the book reflect the cultural landscape of the 1990s?
- What is the book’s lasting impact?
- What are the book’s strengths and weaknesses?
- How does the book compare to other works by David Foster Wallace?
- What would you say to someone who is considering reading the book?
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