In White Noise by Don Delilo, different themes are presented throughout the novel. Some themes often discussed are the fear of death, loss of identity, technology as the enemy, and American consumerism. The society depicted in the novel views people as objects and is emotionally detached from many things. The culture represented in the novel adds to the loss of individualism, but also works hand in hand with consumerism. Jack Gladney, the main character in the book the professors are studying about Hitler. He has a hidden fear of death which gradually grows throughout the book. He is so enamored with death and his studies; he begins to lose his individuality. He spends a lot of time talking and educating people about Hitler, but he still feels the need to hide behind a robe and thick glasses. When he is out of his element, he feels insecure and unsure of who he is as a person without his education. To appear more established as a professional, he added a false initial to his name to appear legitimate. “I spent a lot of time in my office, hiding.” (DeLillo, 261) This is said when he was surrounded by German-speaking people and felt insecure about his intelligence. Even though he is one of the best in his field, as soon as there is a slight drop, insecurity takes over. You are not an individual if you live according to society and its expectations and that is exactly what he does. He is lost and without his study of Hitler, he is not very sure who he is. When Gladney was out in public, one of his colleagues passed him and saw him without his robe and thick glasses. He remarks to Gladney that he no longer likes to be intimidating, he actually looks harmless and not at all distinctive. The identity he gave you... middle of paper... photos of the king but not a single detail about the barn. DeLillo deliberately wrote about the surroundings and not the barn to prove the tourists' mindset. “Once you see the signs for the barn, it becomes impossible to see it. » (DeLillo 12) They're not asking for the reasoning behind the barn, they just want a photo for the hype of the site and to be part of what everyone is doing. The barn's reputation is enough validation for tourists to see it. this as an important site. They are not interested in the history of the barn or why it became the most photographed barn in America. There literally can be no reasoning behind this, but the fact that the media is involved is reason enough to stop and take pictures. This society is so media driven that it takes away not only from the stable itself, but also from its individuality..