In the Charlie Rose interview, DFW says he expected the critical reviews to consider the book to be sad, but instead he was surprised and disappointed that the

In the Charlie Rose interview, DFW says he expected the critical reviews to consider the book to be sad, but instead he was surprised and disappointed that the book was lauded for its comedic aspects. So, I think you were picking up on a very intentional, central theme: the absence of hope. It's not a hole so much as it is the entire point, if we're to believe what he says to Rose. ...and it seems tired to point out his depression, suicide, etc... but listen: Infinite Jest seems to be coming from a real place inside him, and maybe you gained some insight into depression by noticing the absence of hope. My understanding is that, for the affected, depression is every bit as much like a hole inside yourself, and a symptom of depression is lacking hope. Jesus: the very thought of Infinite Jest as a 'cry for help.' Scary. Here is part 1 of the interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLPStHVi0SI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLPStHVi0SI