Falling Man: literature in search of possible meanings to an empty space

Authors

  • Giséle Manganelli Fernandes Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Câmpus de São José do Rio Preto
  • Márcia Corrêa de Oliveira Mariano Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Câmpus de São José do Rio Preto

Keywords:

Postmodernism, Terrorism, Literature and History, September 11, Don DeLillo,

Abstract

September 11 has originated a wide range of artistic manifestations which have not only searched for plausible explanations for the tragedy, but also tried to review the events. In this sense, this paper aims at showing how a novel reevaluates this episode. The attacks made the United States experience a strong sense of vulnerability, triggering reactions from the American government, whose quick action was translated into a new national security strategy, associated with the war on terror. This paper analyzes the narrative strategies employed by the American author Don DeLillo in his novel Falling Man (2007) in order to reevaluate that tragedy. The debate of the topics is based on texts concerning the relationship between literature and history, postmodern fiction and issues on terrorism. This study contributes to enrich the discussion related to the events that led to the catastrophe and its aftermath, examining characters and groups linked to the September 11 terrorist attacks, revealing multiple truths subjected to social, ideological and historical conditions.

Author Biographies

Giséle Manganelli Fernandes, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Câmpus de São José do Rio Preto

Professor Adjunto II

Departamento de Letras Modernas

Área de Inglês

Literatura Norte-Americana

Márcia Corrêa de Oliveira Mariano, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Câmpus de São José do Rio Preto

Mestre em Letras

Literatura Norte-Americana

Published

17/02/2014

Issue

Section

Contributions