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Well O. the thing's sick. It's even sicker than 4. Was it…

“Well O. the thing's sick. It's even sicker than 4. Was it 4? The one you said that Loach inspired, where you'd supposedly just that very day dropped out of Jesuit seminary after umpteen years of disciplined celibacy because of carno-spiritual yearnings you hadn't even been quite in touch with as…” quote by David Foster Wallace
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““Well O. the thing's sick. It's even sicker than 4. Was it 4? The one you said that Loach inspired, where you'd supposedly just that very day dropped out of Jesuit seminary after umpteen years of disciplined celibacy because of carno-spiritual yearnings you hadn't even been quite in touch with as carno-spiritual in nature until you just now this very moment laid eyes on the Subject? With the breviary and rented collar?’ 'That was 4, yes. 4's pretty much of a gynecopia also, but within a kind of narrower demographic psychological range of potential Subjects. Notice I never said 4 was no-miss.’ 'Well you must be a very proud young man. This is even sicker. The fake ring and fictional spouse. It's like you're inventing somebody you love just to seduce somebody else into helping you betray her. What's it like. It's like suborning somebody into helping you desecrate a tomb they don't know is empty.’ 'This is what I get for passing down priceless fruits of hard experience to somebody who still thinks it's exciting to shave.’ 'I ought to go. I have a blackhead I have to see to.’ 'You haven't asked why I called right back. Why I'm calling during high-toll hours.’ 'Plus I feel some kind of toothache starting, and it's the weekend, and I want to see Schacht before Mrs. Clarke's confectionery day in the sun tomorrow. Plus I'm naked.””

David Foster Wallace

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage satates chaotic, self‑referential thought, illustrating how personal narratives can become tangled with imagined identities and moral dilemmas.

In simple terms: Complex inner monologue reveals tangled self‑stories.

Key Takeaway

Untangle narratives to find clarity.

Themes

identity morality fictional constructs

Mood

introspective confused

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • therapy sessions
  • role‑playing games
  • introspective journaling

Key Concepts

postmodern literature psychology self‑deception

Questions to Reflect On

  • What part of the monologue feels most authentic?
  • How does imagined identity affect real decisions?
A Different Perspective

The dense style may obscure meaning for some readers.

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