Rise to Success: Career Highlights of David Foster Wallace

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 7, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how David Foster Wallace made an impact.

David Foster Wallace was an influential American writer, known for his complex narratives and exploration of contemporary American culture. His magnum opus, *Infinite Jest*, received critical acclaim. Wallace's work grappled with themes of addiction, entertainment, consumerism, and the search for meaning in a media-saturated world. He also taught English and creative writing at the university level. Posthumously, his novel *The Pale King* was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, solidifying his legacy as a major literary figure.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Legacy & Impact

1987: The Broom of the System Receives National Attention

In 1987, David Foster Wallace's first novel, "The Broom of the System," garnered national attention and critical praise.

The Broom of the System: A Novel

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1987: Publication of 'The Broom of the System'

In 1987, Wallace adapted his honors thesis in English as the manuscript for his first novel, "The Broom of the System", and also completed a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing at the University of Arizona.

The Broom of the System: A Novel

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1990: Writing of "E Unibus Pluram"

In 1990, David Foster Wallace wrote the essay "E Unibus Pluram: Television and U.S. Fiction".

1991: Teaching at Emerson College and Work on Infinite Jest

In 1991, David Foster Wallace began teaching literature as an adjunct professor at Emerson College in Boston and started working on his second novel, "Infinite Jest".

Infinite Jest

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December 1993: Draft of Infinite Jest Submitted

In December 1993, David Foster Wallace submitted a draft of his second novel, "Infinite Jest", to his editor.

Infinite Jest

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1993: Publication of "E Unibus Pluram"

In 1993, David Foster Wallace's essay "E Unibus Pluram: Television and U.S. Fiction" was published.

1995: Publication of Infinite Jest Excerpts

In 1995, excerpts from David Foster Wallace's novel "Infinite Jest" were published.

Infinite Jest

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1996: Use of Endnotes and Footnotes

After 1996, David Foster Wallace's non-fiction writing incorporated extensive use of explanatory endnotes and footnotes.

1996: Publication of Infinite Jest

In 1996, David Foster Wallace's novel "Infinite Jest" was published.

Infinite Jest

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1997: Publication of Essay "Shipping Out"

In 1997, David Foster Wallace's essay "Shipping Out" was published in his collection, "A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again".

A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again: Essays and Arguments

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1997: Charlie Rose Interview on Narrative Disruption

In a 1997 interview on Charlie Rose, David Foster Wallace discussed his use of notes to disrupt the linear narrative in his writing.

August 2000: Premiere of "Hideous Men" at the New York International Fringe Festival

In August 2000, Dylan McCullough's stage play adaptation of twelve interviews from David Foster Wallace's 'Brief Interviews with Hideous Men,' titled 'Hideous Men,' premiered at the New York International Fringe Festival. McCullough also directed the play, marking the first theatrical adaptation of Wallace's work.

2000: Coverage of John McCain's Presidential Campaign

In 2000, David Foster Wallace covered Senator John McCain's presidential campaign for Rolling Stone.

2002: Professor at Pomona College

In 2002, David Foster Wallace moved to Claremont, California, to become a professor at Pomona College.

2005: Commencement Address at Kenyon College

In 2005, David Foster Wallace delivered the commencement address to the graduating class at Kenyon College.

November 2007: Piece in The Atlantic's 150th Anniversary Issue

In November 2007, David Foster Wallace wrote a short piece on 'the future of the American idea' for The Atlantic magazine's 150th anniversary issue.

April 15, 2011: Publication of The Pale King

On April 15, 2011, David Foster Wallace's unfinished novel, "The Pale King", was published and received generally positive reviews.

The Pale King

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November 4, 2011: Premiere of "Brief Interviews with Hideous Writers"

On November 4, 2011, Marc Caellas's play adaptation of 'Brief Interviews,' titled 'Brief Interviews with Hideous Writers,' premiered at Fundación Tomás Eloy Martinez in Buenos Aires.

2011: Ian Forester adapts and performs "Good Old Neon"

In 2011, Ian Forester adapted and performed David Foster Wallace's "Good Old Neon", from Oblivion: Stories, at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, produced by the Los Angeles independent theater company Needtheater.