Summary Of Empire Of Conspiracy4 By Timothy Melley
The American public have always been particularly vulnerable to the concept of conspiracy within their culture and society as it has a long and deep rooted history, however, the validity and belief in conspiracy theories is currently at a peak – predominantly after the disastrous 9/11 attacks. As Timothy Melley suggest though, we too often view conspiracy theories as the ramblings of an insane person. However, despite the insecurities of their validity, they offer an insightful narrative of the time in terms of cultural mentality and the political environment1. The fact, therefore, that conspiracy theories are becoming more prevalent means that the issues surrounding them won’t disappear. This is the case with the Kennedy assassination. Because
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In his book, Empire of Conspiracy4, Timothy Melley argues that the government’s lone gunmen theory of events can be linked to conspiracy theories, despite seeming intrinsically contradictory, as both are motivated by agency and purpose. Further, Don DeLillo argues throughout the novel, Libra5, the concept that history may not be determined by people’s actions, but by a metaphysical force which he labels as “destiny”6. He predominantly expresses this view through the character David Ferrie, who says to Oswald, “you’re a quirk of history. You’re coincidence.”7. This concept of a supernatural force guiding history, is what aids the traumatisation of the American mind in reference to the assassination. If the public as a body aren’t in control of history then they are powerless. The American mentality often craves for a purpose in life rather than just being another cog in one system. The aversion to anything having power over them scares them, and therefore, the fact that destiny could have been the reason for Kennedy dying is haunting, as they are forced into a position where they have no control8. The novel is called Libra, because that is Oswald’s star sign which represents balance and is represented by a set of scales. DeLillo seems to argue that the universe has a way of keeping everything in balance naturally by series of coincidences which occur every day. This should be something which is calming as everything is equal, however, this lack of influence is a terrifying concept to most American
In his book, Empire of Conspiracy4, Timothy Melley argues that the government’s lone gunmen theory of events can be linked to conspiracy theories, despite seeming intrinsically contradictory, as both are motivated by agency and purpose. Further, Don DeLillo argues throughout the novel, Libra5, the concept that history may not be determined by people’s actions, but by a metaphysical force which he labels as “destiny”6. He predominantly expresses this view through the character David Ferrie, who says to Oswald, “you’re a quirk of history. You’re coincidence.”7. This concept of a supernatural force guiding history, is what aids the traumatisation of the American mind in reference to the assassination. If the public as a body aren’t in control of history then they are powerless. The American mentality often craves for a purpose in life rather than just being another cog in one system. The aversion to anything having power over them scares them, and therefore, the fact that destiny could have been the reason for Kennedy dying is haunting, as they are forced into a position where they have no control8. The novel is called Libra, because that is Oswald’s star sign which represents balance and is represented by a set of scales. DeLillo seems to argue that the universe has a way of keeping everything in balance naturally by series of coincidences which occur every day. This should be something which is calming as everything is equal, however, this lack of influence is a terrifying concept to most American