Infinite Jest

Year of the Depend Adult Undergarment Gaudeamus Igitur (November 20)

Switching to his first-person perspective, Hal wakes up for a dream and sees that Mario is still in bed. The day is the annual donor and alumni event, held between Interdependence Day and the WhataBurger tournament. Hal worries that smoking marijuana has become “not just the high-point of the day but its actual meaning” (853). After a day of matches that are semi-open to the public, the players attend a gala in the evening. Given the prevailing weather conditions, planes will be unable to land at the local airport so most guests will arrive by bus or car.

Don Gately sees Joelle in his hospital room. This time, however, he believes that she is not a dream. While offering him a brownie, she tries to entertain him. She does not have long because she is expected back at Ennet House. After a short update on the situation at Ennet House, she offers to help him however she can. Joelle shares a story about her previous attempts to go sober. She also shares a picture of her father with Don. After she leaves, Don cannot help but imagine a bright and happy future as Joelle’s romantic partner.