By the 1980s, Don DeLillo had firmly established himself as a prominent figure in American literature, straddling the dual worlds of commercial success and critical acclaim. His rise from a cult figure to a mainstream literary icon was decisively marked by the release of White Noise in 1985, which not only became a bestseller but also garnered the American Book Award.

DeLillo’s oeuvre is marked by a fascinating diversity of subjects, yet it remains unified through consistent thematic explorations. His novels traverse various genres, from the science fiction of Ratner’s Star (1976) to the political intrigue of The Names (1982), and the historical tapestry of Libra (1988), which delves into the conspiracy-laden narrative of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. While not all his works possess the comedic vein of White Noise, DeLillo’s sharp wit and his ability to craft vivid, eccentric characters grappling with paranoia and modern catastrophes are ever-present.

Despite the varied settings and plots of his novels, DeLillo’s distinctive style ensures that his voice is unmistakable after just a few paragraphs. His works are deeply embedded within the broader literary tradition, revealing clear links to both contemporaries and predecessors.

Among his contemporaries, Thomas Pynchon stands out as a significant parallel. Pynchon, renowned for works like Gravity’s Rainbow (1973), similarly explores the fragility of human existence in a world overwhelmed by technology and conspiracy. Both authors draw upon the influences of the Beat generation and the "black humor" movement. The Beat writers, including Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs, with Allen Ginsberg as a notable poet of the era, voiced their fierce opposition to the soulless materialism of mid-20th century America. It is easy to imagine DeLillo’s character, Jack Gladney, sharing in their discontent.

The "black humor" or absurdist writers, such as Joseph Heller and Eugène Ionesco, offer less of a targeted political critique and more of a philosophical reflection on the absurdity of life. This perspective resonates through DeLillo’s work, where humor often emerges as the only rational response to the chaotic and incomprehensible world. Together, these authors are part of a rich satirical tradition, one which confronts human pretensions with unflinching honesty and communicates both horror and humor to their readers.