Don DeLillo’s collection of short stories, The Angel Esmeralda, published in 2011, is a mysterious and enigmatic exploration of the human condition. The nine stories in this collection delve into themes of love, loss, death, and the search for meaning in a world that seems increasingly chaotic and uncertain. In this article, we will summarize each of the stories in The Angel Esmeralda and explore the overarching themes that run throughout the collection.
Background and Context
Don DeLillo’s collection of short stories, The Angel Esmeralda, was published in 2011 and features nine distinct tales that explore themes of love, loss, and the human condition. DeLillo is a renowned American author, known for his unique style and ability to capture the complexities of modern society. The stories in The Angel Esmeralda are no exception, as they delve into the lives of characters from all walks of life, from a group of nuns in the Bronx to a man struggling with the aftermath of a terrorist attack. Through his writing, DeLillo offers a glimpse into the enigmatic world of human experience, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities of life.
The Angel Esmeralda
“The Angel Esmeralda” is the titular story of Don DeLillo’s collection of nine short stories. It tells the tale of two nuns who witness a miracle in the form of a young girl, Esmeralda, who appears to be levitating. The story explores themes of faith, doubt, and the supernatural, as the nuns struggle to come to terms with what they have witnessed. DeLillo’s writing is both haunting and beautiful, capturing the mystery and wonder of the event while also delving into the complex emotions of the characters involved. “The Angel Esmeralda” is a powerful and thought-provoking story that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading it.
Human Moments in World War III
In Don DeLillo’s Nine Stories, the author explores the human moments that occur during World War III. Despite the chaos and destruction that surrounds the characters, DeLillo highlights the small moments of humanity that still exist. In “Human Moments in World War III,” the reader is taken on a journey through the lives of soldiers, civilians, and even a group of nuns who are all struggling to survive in a world torn apart by war. These moments of humanity serve as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope and compassion to be found. DeLillo’s ability to capture these moments is a testament to his skill as a writer and his understanding of the human condition.
Creation
In Don DeLillo’s collection of short stories, The Angel Esmeralda, the theme of creation is explored in various ways. In the story “Creation,” a man named Marvin is obsessed with the idea of creating a perfect world. He spends his days working on a model of this world, meticulously crafting every detail. However, his obsession takes a dark turn when he begins to believe that he can bring his creation to life. This story raises questions about the limits of human creativity and the dangers of playing god. It also highlights the importance of accepting the imperfections of the world we live in and finding beauty in them. Overall, “Creation” is a thought-provoking exploration of the human desire to create and control.
The Runner
“The Runner” is a story that follows a man named Nick Shay as he reflects on his past and his involvement in a tragic event. The story is set in New York City and spans several decades, from the 1950s to the 1990s. Nick is a successful businessman, but he is haunted by his past and the choices he made as a young man.
The story is told in a non-linear fashion, with Nick’s memories and reflections interspersed with scenes from his present-day life. Through these flashbacks, we learn about Nick’s relationship with his father, his involvement with a group of friends who called themselves “the runners,” and the events that led to a violent confrontation between the runners and a group of Puerto Rican youths.
DeLillo’s writing is spare and precise, and he captures the atmosphere of New York City in different eras with vivid detail. The story is also a meditation on memory and the ways in which our past experiences shape who we are. Nick’s reflections on his past are often tinged with regret and a sense of loss, but there are also moments of beauty and tenderness.
Overall, “The Runner” is a powerful and haunting story that explores the complexities of human experience and the ways in which our pasts continue to shape us.
The Ivory Acrobat
“The Ivory Acrobat” is a story that explores the themes of art, love, and loss. The protagonist, David, is a sculptor who is struggling to find inspiration for his next project. He becomes infatuated with a trapeze artist named Mary who performs in a circus. David is drawn to Mary’s grace and beauty, and he begins to create a sculpture of her. However, as he becomes more involved with Mary, he realizes that she is not the person he thought she was. Mary is a complex character who is struggling with her own demons, and David’s obsession with her ultimately leads to his downfall. “The Ivory Acrobat” is a haunting and thought-provoking story that explores the complexities of human relationships and the power of art to both inspire and destroy.
Midnight in Dostoevsky
In the story “Midnight in Dostoevsky,” DeLillo explores the themes of guilt and redemption through the character of Alexey, a Russian immigrant living in New York City. Alexey is haunted by his past and the crimes he committed in Russia, and he seeks solace in the works of Dostoevsky. The story takes place on a snowy night in Manhattan, where Alexey encounters a group of strangers who challenge his beliefs and force him to confront his past. Through their conversations, Alexey begins to see the possibility of redemption and a way to move forward from his guilt. The story is a powerful exploration of the human psyche and the search for meaning in a world that can often seem chaotic and unforgiving.
Baader-Meinhof
The Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, also known as the frequency illusion, is a cognitive bias that occurs when a person learns something new and then starts to see it everywhere. This phenomenon is named after the West German militant group, the Red Army Faction, also known as the Baader-Meinhof Group. The group was active from the late 1960s to the early 1990s and was responsible for a series of bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings in Germany. Don DeLillo explores this phenomenon in his story “Baader-Meinhof,” which follows a man who becomes obsessed with the group and starts to see their influence everywhere. The story raises questions about the nature of obsession and the power of ideas to shape our perceptions of the world.
The Starveling
“The Starveling” is a haunting tale of a man who is slowly wasting away, both physically and mentally. The story follows his descent into madness as he becomes obsessed with the idea of disappearing completely. The Starveling is a character who is both pitiable and terrifying, and his story is a powerful exploration of the human psyche. Don DeLillo’s writing is at its best in this story, as he captures the desperation and hopelessness of the Starveling’s situation with a raw and unflinching honesty. This is a story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it, and it is a testament to DeLillo’s skill as a writer that he is able to create such a vivid and unforgettable character in just a few short pages.
The Silence
In “The Silence,” the final story of Don DeLillo’s collection, the reader is left with a sense of unease and uncertainty. The story follows a group of friends who gather for a weekend in the countryside, only to find themselves confronted with a mysterious and unsettling event. As the group struggles to make sense of what has happened, they are forced to confront their own fears and anxieties, and to question the very nature of reality itself. With its haunting imagery and enigmatic plot, “The Silence” is a fitting conclusion to a collection that explores the complexities and contradictions of the human experience.
Themes and Motifs
One of the prominent themes in Don DeLillo’s The Angel Esmeralda is the idea of isolation and disconnection in modern society. Many of the characters in the stories are struggling to connect with others, whether it be with their family, their community, or even with themselves. This theme is particularly evident in the story “Human Moments in World War III,” where the two main characters are isolated in a bunker and are forced to confront their own mortality and the fragility of human connection.
Another recurring motif in the collection is the idea of the supernatural or otherworldly. In several of the stories, characters encounter strange and inexplicable phenomena, such as the angel in “The Angel Esmeralda” or the mysterious light in “Baader-Meinhof.” These elements add a sense of mystery and intrigue to the stories, and also serve to highlight the limitations of human understanding and perception.
Overall, The Angel Esmeralda is a thought-provoking collection of stories that explores a range of themes and motifs. Through his vivid and often surreal storytelling, DeLillo offers a unique perspective on the complexities of modern life and the human experience.
Symbolism and Imagery
Symbolism and imagery play a significant role in Don DeLillo’s collection of short stories, The Angel Esmeralda. Throughout the book, DeLillo uses various symbols and images to convey deeper meanings and themes. One of the most prominent symbols in the book is the angel, which appears in different forms in several stories. The angel represents hope, redemption, and salvation, but also serves as a reminder of the fragility of human life. Another recurring image in the book is that of the city, which is portrayed as a place of both beauty and danger. DeLillo uses the city as a metaphor for modern society, highlighting its complexities and contradictions. Overall, the use of symbolism and imagery in The Angel Esmeralda adds depth and richness to the stories, inviting readers to explore the enigmatic world of DeLillo’s imagination.
Character Analysis
One of the most intriguing characters in Don DeLillo’s collection of short stories, The Angel Esmeralda, is the protagonist of the story “The Starveling.” Jim Axton is a former football player turned television executive who is struggling to find meaning in his life. He is haunted by the memory of a young girl he met briefly years ago, and he becomes obsessed with finding her again.
Axton’s character is complex and multifaceted. On the surface, he appears to be a successful and confident man, but as the story progresses, we see that he is deeply troubled and searching for something more. His obsession with the young girl is a manifestation of his desire for meaning and purpose in his life.
DeLillo’s portrayal of Axton is masterful, as he captures the character’s inner turmoil and conflicting emotions. Axton is a man who is struggling to come to terms with his past and find a way forward. He is a sympathetic character, and readers can’t help but root for him as he tries to make sense of his life.
Overall, Jim Axton is a fascinating character who adds depth and complexity to “The Starveling.” His journey is one that many readers can relate to, and his struggles with identity and purpose are universal themes that make this story a standout in DeLillo’s collection.
Writing Style and Techniques
Don DeLillo’s writing style is often described as minimalist, with a focus on the mundane details of everyday life. In The Angel Esmeralda, this style is particularly effective in creating a sense of unease and tension. DeLillo’s use of short, simple sentences and sparse dialogue allows the reader to focus on the characters’ inner thoughts and emotions, rather than on external action. Additionally, his use of repetition and imagery creates a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the stories have ended. Overall, DeLillo’s writing style and techniques in The Angel Esmeralda contribute to the collection’s enigmatic and thought-provoking nature.
Critical Reception
The Angel Esmeralda has received mixed reviews from critics. Some have praised DeLillo’s ability to capture the complexities of human relationships and the modern world, while others have criticized the collection for being too disjointed and lacking a cohesive theme.
In a review for The New York Times, Michiko Kakutani praised DeLillo’s “profoundly moving” exploration of the human condition, calling the collection “a haunting and elegiac meditation on the fragility of life and the power of memory.” However, in a review for The Guardian, Stuart Kelly criticized the collection for lacking a clear focus, stating that “the stories feel like fragments of a larger work that never quite coheres.”
Despite the mixed reviews, The Angel Esmeralda remains a fascinating exploration of the human experience and a testament to DeLillo’s skill as a writer.
Impact and Legacy
Don DeLillo’s collection of nine stories, The Angel Esmeralda, has left a lasting impact on readers and critics alike. The stories explore themes of isolation, technology, and the human condition, leaving readers with a sense of unease and contemplation. DeLillo’s writing style, characterized by his use of language and imagery, has also left a lasting legacy in the literary world. His ability to capture the complexities of modern life and the human psyche has cemented his place as one of the most important writers of our time. The Angel Esmeralda is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the enigmatic world of Don DeLillo and the power of literature to provoke thought and inspire change.
Adaptations and Influences
Don DeLillo’s collection of short stories, The Angel Esmeralda, is a work that has been influenced by various literary and cultural sources. One of the most significant influences on DeLillo’s writing is the postmodernist movement, which is characterized by a rejection of traditional narrative structures and a focus on fragmented, non-linear storytelling. DeLillo’s use of multiple narrators, shifting perspectives, and unconventional plot structures reflects this postmodernist aesthetic.
Another important influence on The Angel Esmeralda is the work of other writers, particularly those who have explored similar themes and ideas. For example, DeLillo’s interest in the intersection of technology and human experience can be traced back to the science fiction of writers like Philip K. Dick and William Gibson. Similarly, his exploration of the dark side of American culture and society has been influenced by the work of writers like Thomas Pynchon and James Ellroy.
In addition to literary influences, The Angel Esmeralda also draws on cultural and historical events. For example, the story “Human Moments in World War III” is set in a future where nuclear war has devastated the world, reflecting the anxieties of the Cold War era. Similarly, the story “Baader-Meinhof” is based on the real-life terrorist group of the same name, which was active in Germany in the 1970s.
Overall, The Angel Esmeralda is a work that reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of contemporary culture and society. By drawing on a range of literary, cultural, and historical influences, DeLillo creates a work that is both challenging and thought-provoking, inviting readers to explore the enigmatic world he has created.