Consider the Lobster: And Other Essays by David Foster Wallace

David Foster Wallace’s Consider the Lobster: And Other Essays is a collection of some of the author’s most thought-provoking essays. Written in a witty and engaging style, the book is a highly enjoyable read, providing insights into a number of topics ranging from the media to politics, and even science.

For the essay titled “Consider the Lobster,” Wallace takes a close look at the ethical questions raised by the annual Maine Lobster Festival. Beginning with a description of the festival, Wallace proceeds to contemplate how animals, particularly lobsters, are treated as commodities in modern society and to consider the morality of boiling live creatures for food. He also examines the views of different traditions and cultures on lobster consumption, showing how attitudes towards animals and their consumption can vary greatly across societies.

The essay “Up, Simba” takes a look at the television industry, with particular focus on the reality show Survivor. Wallace examines how the show's editing and production influence how viewers perceive the events on the show, and how such manipulation can obscure the true nature of the events being portrayed. He also discusses the implications of the TV show's success, discussing how it has shaped the way people think about contests and competition, and reflecting on the evolutionary implications of displaying human intelligence and striving on TV.

Another essay, titled “Authority and American Usage,” is a fascinating piece examining the debates over grammar and usage between traditionalists and descriptivist linguists. Wallace explores the arguments put forward by each side and describes how language is used and understood by different societies, raising important questions about the nature of communication and its capacity for change. The essay is written in a very entertaining and insightful way, building an argument without alienating readers who may disagree with his opinions.

The other essays in the book cover a wide range of topics, from the history of reality TV to thoughts on abortion, and from the influence of U.S. foreign policy to reflections on the state of modern education. Wallace’s writing provides a great way to explore a number of important topics, and he engages readers in an intelligent manner that is both entertaining and informative.

Overall, David Foster Wallace’s Consider the Lobster: And Other Essays is a great collection of thought-provoking essays. Through his wit and insightful writing, Wallace explores a variety of topics, forcing readers to think carefully about their own viewpoints on the different issues discussed in the book. Highly enjoyable and recommendable, Consider the Lobster is a stimulating and engaging read.