Transcendence, fast and slow: Infinite Jest and the dynamics of a cultural splash

Abstract This paper builds on two leading models of artistic practice, the “network-building” and “autonomous sphere” approaches, to show how an expressive work can reverse normal antinomy between recognition commercial success become immediate crossover hit. Focusing a single “pointy” case from world literature—the 1996 novel Infinite Jest , by David Foster Wallace—I ask whether set unique social dynamics attends process making “cultural splash.” In came occupying intermediate position in “space fields” eliciting complex, mutually referential response cultural intermediaries. this way, book attracted samplings renown, contrasting reputational ingredients associated with enduring appeal. Nevertheless, novel’s declining reputation recent years suggests that we should differentiate splash better-known canonization classicization. paper’s final section, I conceptualize as effect generated works undergo “fast transcendence” unmooring themselves temporarily limiting effects being counted “art” or “pop.”