Dominance of Simulated Reality in

Don DeLillo’s Ratner’s Star

Introduction
 Background of the study.
 Today’s reality in response to the traditional view of
reality.
 The present study investigates the notion of reality
as fake one.
Literature Review
 Alexander Thurman’s comparison between two
characters in terms of science fiction.
 Francesa de Lucia’s point of creating fear through
math and science.
 Science as a vehicle for gaining knowledge about
the world.
Research Objectives/ Questions
 To explore the role of
computer and science in
demonstrating the dominance
of simulated reality in Ratner’s
Star.
 To show the construction of
knowledge and information
that makes the reality as
simulated reality in Ratner’s
Star.
 To investigate the
characteristics of science
fiction that become the cause
of simulated reality in Ratner’s
Star.
• What is the role of
computer and science in
demonstrating the
dominance of simulated
reality in Ratner’s Star?
• How do the postmodern
attributes of knowledge
and information play their
role in the construction of
simulated reality in Ratner’s
Star?
• What are the
characteristics of science
fiction presented in Ratner’s
Star that are the source of
creating simulated reality?
Methodology and Theoretical
Framework
 The chosen research method for the present study is
qualitative analysis.
 Jean Baudrillard as the theorist for the current
study.
 Baudrillard defines simulation as the “loss of the
real”.
 All the world is Disneyland.
 Baudirllard says: “The media and the official news
service are only there to maintain the illusion of an
actuality” .
Simulated reality through:

 Computer and technology.

 Demonstration of artificial intelligence with the
presentation of robots.
 Science.
Features of knowledge and information

 Knowledge and education as commodity.

 Media in their various forms:
 Electronic media
 Print media
 People as media
Characteristics of science fiction
 The imaginary existence of life in space.
 Human’s concern for the future regarding their
survival on earth planet.
 Illusionary world of the protagonist.
Findings/conclusion
 Simulated reality as a dominant force in Ratner’s
Star.
 Major role of science and computer in creating the
simulated reality.
 Education, under the cloud of consumerism.
 The creation of hype through media.
 Aliens superior to humans.
 Acceptance of this(simulated) reality.
 The End