Previous
Chapter 66
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Infinite Jest, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Talent, Precociousness, and Fame
Addiction, Mental Illness, and Suicide
Entertainment
Reality as Corporate Dystopia
Institutional Control vs. Rebellion
Summary
Analysis
14 November Year of the Depend Adult Undergarment. Randy Lenz, freezing cold and high on cocaine, is following two Chinese women up Mass Ave between Harvard and Central Squares. Lenz believes that “Orientoid types” carry their entire personal wealth with them wherever they go. Adrenaline builds until he runs up and snatches their purses with ease. The A.F.R., meanwhile, are considering two methods of locating James’s master copy of the Entertainment. They could track down James’s family members and Joelle and torture them if necessary, or just search for the master copy directly themselves. They are prepared to try both options, and this is why they are currently in the Antitois’ shop, attempting the second.
In a strange coincidence, on the same day that Poor Tony steals the purses of Ruth and Kate, Lenz robs two Chinese women just in the adjacent neighborhood. The word “Orientoid” is deeply racist, and this passage raises further questions about whether the book’s substantial depiction of racism should be forgiven because it is done through the perspective of particular racist characters. After all, it is possible to revel too much in portraying the thoughts and words of racists.
Themes
