Essay Questions

What is the sarcasm of Nick Shay's marriage?

Nick is determined to bring up a perfect family, and he does everything possible to achieve his marriage goals. For instance, he provides for the family and ensures that his wife and children have all the essentials that make up a happy family. Nick takes his family on vacations and trips to make up for what he never experienced while growing up. Ironically, Nick's wife behaves respectfully, but she engages in sexual affairs with her husband's friends. The reader finds it satirical that the husband is determined to bring up a happy and perfect family, but the wife does the contrary.

Do you think that Matty is fit to work for the Nuclear Company?

Matty is working at the Sun Belt Company, which is involved in nuclear programs. However, this company is not for anyone because all its employees must take a secrecy oath. The plan of the company must be highly confidential. When Matty takes up the job, he commits that he will never share anything about the company with the outside world. However, the reader notes that Matty is disloyal and he betrays his company. For instance, Matty tells his girlfriend about his job and what the company does. Similarly, when Matty meets with people, he is not shy to disclose what his job entails. Therefore, Matty is the wrong person for the company because he does not keep his word.

How does DeLillo depict the sense of sight to his readers?

The author uses the imagery of sight to depict the sense of sight to his readers. For instance, the author describes Nick's working environment in Phoenix. When Nick looks outside the window, he realizes how the callous scenery is affecting the city. The city is located within a desert, making its surrounding landscape look miserable. For instance, Nick says that the temperatures can at times go high than the ordinary. Nick's description of the surrounding environment helps readers to visualize the environment in which he works.