Student Question
In chapter 21 of White Noise, why is the progression of naming the chemical leak significant?
Quick answer:
The progression of naming the chemical leak in Chapter 21 reflects a shift from wonder to horror, similar to reactions to the atomic bomb. Initially described as a "feathery plume," the term evokes beauty but transforms into fear as the situation deteriorates. The official and scientific renaming aims to reduce panic by sounding dull and benign, while also alluding to Gothic motifs like those in "The Castle of Otranto."
At first, the "feathery plume" is a marvel to behold. It is likely akin to the perception of witnesses to the atom bomb who often describe the mushroom cloud as "beautiful." Like the atomic bomb, the perception of beauty becomes one of horror. The name change sounds official and scientific, but also is probaby designed to quell panic, as it is rather dull and benign in tone.
The "feathery plume" may also be a tongue-in-cheek nod to a literary classic, "The Castle of Otranto" by Horace Walpole. In this 18th century Gothic novel, a huge helmet adorned with black plumes mysteriously lands in the castle's courtyard, causing death and wreaking havoc.
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