Response to 1-900

I can see where David Foster Wallace got his influence from. I love all-dialogue stories. It forces you to think about the characters yourself since the only thing the reader has to go on is the characters themselves. Where are they coming from? Why are they really doing this? For instance, we know that John has had a rough time and feels the need to connect with someone, but why through a phone sex line? We understand that it’s part of Sharon job to keep it impersonal, but why does she really hesitate to answer John’s questions? Does John really believe that he loves Sharon? If not, then who is really he saying it for? It’s character studies like this, presented like this, that really gets me going (not in a sexy way…).

The use of ellipses helps the reader know when something significant to the characters has just been brought up. For instance:

“Did you ever have a relationship fall apart?

…

Maybe not a marriage.

Actually, John, I’ve been in and out of relationships…”

The fact that Sharon doesn’t reply tells the reader that she probably has, and that it? has affected her in some way. Thus, we learn a little more about Sharon, just through an ellipsis. It’s a good trick, but I do think it’s used maybe a little too much?

I love the difference shown between the characters as well. John needs some connection to get it off, and Sharon is perfectly fine without one to do her job. Once a connection is established (possibly during that one creepy (in my eyes) moment where John constantly tells Sharon he loves her), John is ready, but Sharon is hesitant, unwilling. It was a nice change, and it kind of moved me in a way I can’t explain. It’s weird. It probably has something to do with the difference of outlooks between someone who more or less “have figured it out” vs. someone going through an emotional and relationship crisis.