Self-critique in post 9/11 neo- orientalist literature, Don Delillo’s : falling man and John Updike’s Terrorist

Abstract

The present research undertakes a study of Neo- Orientalism in Don Delillo's Falling Man (2007) and John Updike's Terrorist ( 2006) in the light of Slavoj Zizek's Self-Critique theory. It looks into the embodiment of Zizek's Neo-Orientalist insights into 9/11 events in both narratives. One major focus of analysis in both narratives is a concern with criticism, assessment, and correction with reference to the West-East dissimilar cultural value systems and religions. The study underlines the two authors' criticism of the American expansionist policy in the Third World and its materialist culture by making references to Eastern steadfast cultural ethos and religious commitment. The two authors want to strike a blow to the West's materialist culture and engrossment in sensual pleasures and surfaces. Their attempt is a call for correcting the self by looking to the Other