The following version of this short story was used to create the guide: Cline, Emma. "White Noise." The New Yorker, 2020.

In Emma Cline's third person short story, "White Noise," Harvey Weinstein awoke at four a.m. on the morning before his trial. Though he was sweating, he did not believe this had anything to do with nerves. He knew he would not be convicted. Many men had done worse things than he had, and they were all free. Despite this belief, Harvey did worry about losing the luxurious life he had learned to love.

While preparing for the day, Harvey contemplated the trial. He still could not believe how these women and the media had tried to destroy him. It felt like an attempted assassination. After all, Harvey was only a normal man who had tried to create beautiful things.

After having a glass of juice and watching some television, Harvey went outside to talk to one of his assistants. He was barely listening to a thing she said. The man next door looked familiar, and Harvey wanted to place his face. He was staying at his friend Vogel's Connecticut home while awaiting trial, and knew very little about Vogel's neighbors. Suddenly he realized that the man next door was the famous novelist Don DeLillo. Thrilled by this realization, Harvey ended his call and greeted the man.

After their brief interaction, Harvey began concocting an elaborate scheme to adapt DeLillo's famous White Noise novel to the screen. He and DeLillo were so much alike, Harvey was convinced that he was the only one who could possibly do the story justice. He began contacting his people about making plans for the film. The project would surely deliver Harvey from his current circumstances and restore his reputation.

While waiting for his doctor visit, Harvey sat in the screening room eating candy and watching television. The experience reminded him of the past. He often liked to intimidate women. It gave him a sense of satisfaction to see them weakened and ashamed.

Once it was finally time for the appointment, Harvey met his doctors in the guest room. When the nurse, Anastasia, came in, Harvey immediately began making inappropriate comments. He did not think the nurse seemed afraid of him. Then she started the infusion treatment, designed to alleviate Harvey's back pain. The treatment was wonderful, and Harvey felt himself floating into an ethereal realm he never wished to leave.

After the treatment, Harvey felt much better. His daughter, Kristin, and granddaughter, Ruby, soon arrived for a visit. When Harvey told Kristin about his plans for White Noise she seemed both unimpressed and concerned. Harvey was irritated. When they left, he felt alone and confused.

He took a bath and prepared for bed. Still feeling restless, he looked out the window, delighted to see Don DeLillo sitting in his car in his driveway. Harvey thought DeLillo was sending him a message. He raced outside, setting off the house alarms, and approached the fence. DeLillo seemed confused by whatever it was Harvey was attempting to communicate. Harvey did not understand, but he was certain he could clarify any confusion between himself and the author.