David foster wallace lobster. David Foster Wallace Consider The Lobster Analysis 2022-10-15

David Foster Wallace was a celebrated American writer and author of the bestselling novel "Infinite Jest." In his essay "Consider the Lobster," which was originally published in Gourmet Magazine in 2004, Wallace explores the ethics of boiling lobsters alive, a common practice in the seafood industry.

The essay begins with a description of the Maine Lobster Festival, an annual event that attracts thousands of visitors and features various lobster-centric activities such as the crowning of the Lobster Queen. While enjoying the festival, Wallace becomes curious about the ethical implications of boiling lobsters alive, a common method of preparing the seafood delicacy.

Wallace notes that many people justify the practice by arguing that lobsters do not have the capacity for pain or suffering, or that they are not intelligent enough to experience such emotions. However, Wallace points out that there is evidence to suggest that lobsters do feel pain, citing research on the structure and function of their nervous systems. He also notes that the argument that lobsters are not intelligent is problematic because it implies that only intelligent beings deserve moral consideration.

In addition to discussing the ethics of boiling lobsters alive, Wallace also examines the cultural and historical context surrounding the consumption of lobster. Historically, lobsters were considered a poor man's food and were often fed to prisoners and slaves. It was not until the 19th century that lobster became a luxury food, with the advent of railroads and refrigeration allowing for the transportation of live lobsters to urban centers.

Despite the argument that lobsters do not experience pain or suffering, Wallace ultimately concludes that it is difficult to say for certain. He suggests that rather than relying on a purely scientific or philosophical approach, it might be more productive to consider the ethical implications of our actions from an empathetic perspective. He writes, "It is difficult to say what is 'humane' treatment of a lobster. But it is not difficult to say that boiling a sentient creature alive is not part of it."

In "Consider the Lobster," David Foster Wallace offers a thought-provoking and nuanced exploration of the ethics of boiling lobsters alive. Through his examination of the scientific evidence and cultural context surrounding the practice, he encourages readers to consider the moral implications of their actions and to approach ethical dilemmas with empathy and compassion.