Good literature bears many re-readings – so they say – but what actually happens when one re-reads (and more than once)? There is an exquisite ambivalence involved in the act of repeated readings of the same literary work since it might lead both to affirmation and revision, merging them in unstable, probably volatile constellations which eventually reflect on the situatedness of reading in general. In the case of Don DeLillo, re-reading in our current situation must negotiate the historical and cultural context of the writing (and its first reception) with our current situation – in what way then does the historical DeLillo speak to us in our time – and what are the conditions of our reading?

I would like to discuss these questions further (including their validity for the critical study of literary reading) in talking, alas rather briefly, about three dominant aspects which might help to bridge the gap between the historical and the topical DeLillo, i.e. the novel in the context of (re-) mediation, the merging of the dramatic and the ironic as a diagnostic mode, and finally, the inherent visuality of literary writing and reading.

The talk is meant as an incentive – for re-reading, certainly – and an invitation to reflect and discuss the act of reading literature apart from its instrumentalisation and professionalisation in academic and critical contexts – the talk thus can only stay very much within the hypothetical, inviting comparison and contrast, as well as commentary based on others's readings.

As to preparing for the talk, I would suggest to think about and re-read any specific passage(s) from DeLillo's fiction which has become 'stuck' in our reading memory, the most memorable moments of your reading experience. And if you can, bring them along to the session.