Identity and Language in Don DeLillo’s Zero K

Abstract

Zero K, as a half-scientific and half-realistic novel, reflects manifold aspects in contemporary American and world life, in which the problem of identity and language is more striking. This paper investigates the relationship of language and identity by the sense of loss as an outsider of community, the sense of confusion as an unconscious wanderer, and the reconstruction of order as a namer. Don DeLillo has the intention to explore and inject an organic relationship between language and identity by means of humanist language. Keywords—identity; language; organic relationship;