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Infinite Jest has had some dense sections. There have been whole parts where pages and pages get flipped without a paragraph break in sight. The most intense so far (probably because it's clearer just what's going on) is the part wherein Gately is visited by a series of people while in the Trauma Center of a hospital. These visitors include the wraith of the late J.O. Incandenza. At least, that seems to be the earthly identity of the wraith that appears to Gately as he dips in and out of consciousness.
The wraith reveals his issues with his dad, mentions a childhood in the Southwest and on the West Coast, and that, of all of his offspring, his youngest son is the most like him. The wraith also talks about his career as a film maker. In fact, specific mention is made of a certain entertainment of his, too. A final project designed to pull his youngest son, whom he thinks is falling into figurant silence, back into the spotlight of life. A film that will make the son speak out again, even if only to ask for more. The whole scene is extremely revelatory about "the Entertainment," the film known as Infinite Jest (V).
At a guess, this whole business with the wraith related to the ghostly interventions found in Hamlet.
Why guess that?
Well, for starters, the novel's title is a nod to that play of the Bard's. Gately also remembers that it's Tiny Ewell's favourite Shakespearean play when Tiny Ewell visits him and vents about being a third grade extortionist (810-814). Then, when Gately has a bunch of words that he's never encountered before flash through his mind "Laertes" and "Yorick" are among them (832).
Indeed, there is more in this scene and in this section than words and characters, David.
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