네트워크 사회와 정체성: 돈 데릴로 소설을 통해 본 개인 정체성의 변화

Abstract

This paper aims to study the characteristics of the individual identity through the discussion on the postmodern network and Don DeLillo’s novels, contemporary social characteristics primarily in the aspects of consumerism, industrialism, and media society. Although those characteristics have some positive effects in the postmodern world, they have negative ones as well. DeLillo has tried to show us our identity problems of contemporary subjects. In postmodern society our identities are not formed by our inner-selves but from an outer-connection with society, for example, consumerism, media, technology, and data. This study attempts to reveal the change of our identity in this network society and to find the fact that this machinery network is not a real connection but another fragmentation. If we really want to find a real connection and real identity, we are not supposed to try to find them in simulacra but in real world, humanity and nature. DeLillo shows us that humans are also included in nature, so we need to find our identity in the real connection with the natural world and human society. DeLillo may tell us that in this complex society, we really need to reevaluate our connection with and our love between man and nature.