Imperially Alone: David Foster Wallace and The Role of Fiction

This thesis explores the life and work of American writer David Foster Wallace. Through examining his fiction and non-fiction, it charts the development of his ideas and also attempts to identify the driving intention and goals behind his writing. Wallace’s work is analysed with particular regard to his literary style, recurring themes of entertainment, addiction, loss of self and isolation. His work is also compared with a contemporary writer: Bret Easton Ellis. This thesis has been researched through use of Wallace’s body of work, critical writing on Wallace, and Wallace’s papers held at the Harry Ransom Archive at the University of Texas in Austin.