White Noise Identity Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Babette said she liked the series J.A.K. and didn't think it was attention-getting in a cheap sense. To her it intimated dignity, significance, and prestige. (4.23)

Even something as important as your name is fair game when it comes to the business of creating an identity for yourself. In this case, Jack goes by his initials in his academic life because he wants to sound all literary and impressive. The fact that Babette approves of the change gives him confidence that he doesn't have on his own. 

Quote #5

I am the false character that follows the name around. (4.24)

Jack basically knows that there's a difference between the person he is and the person he tries to make people think he is. But in all the games of image and identity, he actually loses sight of his true self. All he's left knowing is that he's a false character attached to a fake name. Where the real Jack has gone, no one knows. 

Quote #6

As the most prominent figure in Hitler Studies in North America, I had long tried to conceal the fact that I did not know German. (7.1)

Jack knows that it's weird for him to not know German, considering that it's his job to know as much about Adolph Hitler as possible. He tries to study the language, but just can't seem to wrap his head around it. This is another example of the insecurity Jack has to deal with in his professional life. The reason he's so insecure is because he's spent so much of his adult life building up a certain image of himself that isn't totally true. Now he spends most of his time trying to protect the fantasy.