Consider the Lobster

David Foster Wallace travels to Maine for the Maine Lobster Festival, but he writes relatively little about the festival itself, and more about the people and the possible ethical issues involved with cooking lobsters.  In addition to the information he gives, either from his own experiences or from experts, Wallace gives the reader insight into his personal reactions to the information.  One of the primary ways in which Wallace reflects, is by asking questions.  For example, he repeatedly asks questions regarding whether or not it is right to boil a creature alive.  He continues to ask further questions which allow the reader to think about the material in the same way that Wallace is thinking about the information. 

In addition to asking rhetorical questions, Wallace also utilizing footnotes very effectively to voice his opinions and reflections on various information mentioned in the reading.  He is able to add his own take in these footnotes, without taking away from the main part of the reading.  Although Wallace never comes to a decisive conclusion (in the footnotes or main portion of the passage), he does present the reader with enough information and a small insight on how he feels.  For example, while talking about the possibilities of pain reception in lobsters, he states, “I for one can detect a marked upswing in mood as I contemplate this latter possibility” (Wallace 14).  This reflection gives the reader a generalized idea of how Wallace feels, without specifically or explicitly stated his opinion.  This creates a much better relationship between Wallace and his audience.  Since he reflects on a variety of facts and statements, rather than jumping to conclusions and then backing up his opinions, his audience is much more likely to be interested in what he has to say.  In fact, Wallace even leaves the reader with several questions to answer.  These questions obviously were of much interest to Wallace, showing his reflection and thoughts once again.  In addition to showing Wallace’s interest, the rhetorical questions to close out the article also invite the reader to consider the same reflections that Wallace himself has made regarding the Maine Lobster Festival and the treatment of lobsters for consumption.