The Importance of Habits in Meredith Rand and Shane Drinion’s ‘tête-à-tête’ in The Pale King

Abstract

This article utilises pragmatist philosopher John Dewey’s concept of habit to explore Wallace’s habit-based definition of character through a close reading of the long, confessional ‘tete-a-tete’ between Meredith Rand and Shane Drinion in The Pale King (2011). Analysis of this scene shows the distinction between personal habits and societal customs, and the role of the observer in interpreting such habits and customs. A focus on habit demonstrates how Wallace advocates for a liberal democratic process of evolution and change. Dewey’s ideas are also shown to be a useful means to navigate the burgeoning field of Wallace Studies, and the habits and customs that have come to define the field.