Summary

A mutual friend introduces an unnamed man and woman to each other. Even though all three people smile and laugh with each other, all of them are consciously angling to be liked by the others, and the interaction emotionally fulfills none of them.

Analysis

This very short (two-paragraph) story, printed on "Page 0," announces the themes of (heterosexual) dating and social interaction, which will be explored throughout the short stories in this collection. Despite the best and honest efforts of everybody involved, the characters in both this story and in other stories will find it difficult to find meaningful and exciting romantic connection.

Discussion Question 1

Why has David Foster Wallace not created specific, named characters for this story?

Discussion Question 2

How would the tone and message of this story be altered if it were, say, two pages long, instead...