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Don't make the mistake of confusing the text in Infinite Jest with David Foster Wallace's actual understanding of the Mean Value Theorem. (Read Everything and
by pklausler 10y ago
Don't make the mistake of confusing the text in Infinite Jest with David Foster Wallace's actual understanding of the Mean Value Theorem. (Read Everything and More, his really awesome book on the mathematical history of calculus, if you need a demonstration.)
- dilap 10y agoperhaps. but it was in a footnote that seemed to be in the author's voice, rather than some sort of pov garbling. i've been skeptical yet intrigued by everything & more since forever; will definitely have to pick it up at some point.
- SnacksOnAPlane 10y agoIIRC it was Pemulis who was explaining it.
- pklausler 10y ago99% of writers would never consider mentioning a theorem of the calculus in a novel; of those who would, 99% would think it was important to get the details right, either to show off or to avoid criticism. And then there's Wallace.