Fictionalization of Kennedy‟s Assassination: A New Historicist Reading of DeLillo‟s Libra

Abstract

This research looks into the way facts and findings about the assassination of former American president, J. F. Kennedy are represented in a subjective and subtle way. DeLillo does not remain loyal to the objective findings pertaining to the case of assassination. He is simply interested to produce a subjective, thrilling and romanticized version of history. Historical finding and its objectivity appeal less to the author. In Libra, Oswald appears to be the assassin who kills the president out of the romantic sense of thrill. Oswald is impressed by the bulk of publicity stunt, glamour and coverage given by the then American media. Kennedy's nuance of handling and using American media on decisive moment makes the whole media loyal to him. The attachment between media and Kennedy takes a legendary form. Any person who wants to thrive in his or her field should know from Kennedy how to use media to the utmost extent. Media personnel also know that under Kennedy's tenure, media has known how much media can flourish. The hallo that shines at Kennedy back turns out to be the root cause of his untimely end. Tempted by this hallo, Oswald surmises how much attention media lavishes on him if he kills Kennedy. The history of assassination is a product of a silly and deranged mind's distorted longing. The objective history tells that the assassination is a plotting of Cuban dictator or it is a product of disgruntled CIA officers. History is not as serious as analysts claim to be. It can be the byproduct of silly and vainglorious minds. In this regard, it is obvious that Libra is a thick analysis.