Jon Baskin's "Ordinary Unhappiness: The Therapeutic Fiction of David Foster Wallace" delves into how Wallace's literary works intertwine with philosophical ideas, suggesting that literature acts as a form of therapy. Unlike previous analyses, Baskin extends his examination to Wallace's later writings, arguing that philosophy can be therapeutic by clarifying our thoughts and experiences. Drawing on Ludwig Wittgenstein’s notion that philosophy should dissolve rather than define problems, Baskin presents Wallace's narratives as tools that help us confront our hidden issues and navigate the complexities of human existence.
"Baskin's book isn't the first to analyze Wallace's work philosophically. However, he highlights how Wallace's fiction serves as a kind of literary therapy, rooted in philosophy."
"Drawing from Ludwig Wittgenstein, he argues that philosophy can be therapeutic, seeking to dissolve problems by clarifying how we think about them."
"For Baskin, criticism becomes therapeutic when it exposes what we have hidden from ourselves rather than merely evaluating the text's content."
"Baskin explores the intersection of literature and philosophy, demonstrating how Wallace's narratives address the complexities of human existence and meaning."
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