I was particularly interested in the dialogue between Nick, Matt, and their mother Rosemary. Specifically the discussion that focuses on Jimmy the boys father who disappeared in their early childhood. We have discussed father figures or elderly statesmen numerous times over the course of the semester. DeLillo now challenges us with the lack of a father figure and the effects it has on his characters lives.

Stories are told about Jimmy's days of gambling. The action/events surrounding this discussion immediately reminded me of the film Goodfellas and the stories of organized crime within the Italian mafia. Jimmy like Henry starts out in a minimal position. Jimmy as a plumber's helper just taking bets and Henry working in a shop also doing odds and ends. Then suddenly each is full fledge involved and sees no possible way out. Each charcter also becomes greedy and begins sneaking business for themselves under the table.

The police also seem to be involved in each operation. With Henry they were actually accepting money and goods in exchange for secrecy. With Jimmy operation through Matt and Rosemary we learn that his father even when caught never stayed beyond a day and only paid minimal fines. Matt remembers the police protecting/shielding the heads of those caught, so that they will not bump. This police protection allows both operations to survive and thrive.

Matt said: "He (Jimmy) did the unthinkable Italian crime. He walked out on his family. They don't even have a name for this." This quote reminded me of the scene in Goodfellas where Paulie and Tommy are telling Henry he has to go back to Janice and stop his extramarital affairs. Paulie says "We have to keep up appearances---do the right thing, go home to your family. Please there's no other way." In light of this we can see and sense the importance of family in the Italian community's way of life. Delillo again challenges this notion or even goes against it with the Shay's and their family life.

Lynette Erbe

Matt Shay in regards to watching the Texas Highway murder on television:

"They show it because it exists, because they have to show it, because this is why they're out there, to provide our entertainment. The more you watch the tape, the deader and colder and more relentless it becomes. The tape sucks the air right out of your chest but you watch it every time."

Cyberville Quote from Skubik (an ECHO member) in regards to watching O.J's white bronco chase:

"This circus is disgusting. Why am I so engrossed? This is a low point for American culture."

In looking for connections between Underworld and Cyberville, I have focused Matt Shay's obsession with watching the murder on tv and the ECHO members fascination with watching the O.J. chase. Matt could not stop himself from watching the murder over and over again, constantly wanting his wife to come and see it with him. ECHO members appeared to be equally obsessed with watching the chase. They were all watching O.J.'s white bronco on tv, while simultaneously discussing the unfolding drama with each other on-line. They all felt the need to share the experience together, much like Matt wished to share the experience with his wife. Stacy Horn claims that, "It wasn't just the event that riveted them. They were watching it and they were watching it together."

Elisa Stafford

Something I have noticed while reading Underworld is the connection between the Shays and their visit with their mother, Rosemary, with the movie Goodfellas. The scene in Goodfellas with the mother (Joe Pesce's mom, really Scorsese's mom) and the two guys-- Henry and Joe Pesce's character. The respect between the two men and the old mother, how they listened to her story intently, just as the two brothers in Underworld listened to their mother's story about their bookie father. I sensed a strong tradition within the Italian-American society, one of respect for mothers and the elderly, and also respect for one's roots. When Nick and Matt Shay are discussing taking their mother away from her home that she knows so well-- in the Bronx neighborhood she's used to-- the subject of friendship and religion comes up constantly. From what I have witnessed in class, it seems that Italian-American mothers are very strong-willed and hold tight to traditional ways. Hope this connection makes sense to everyone.

Francine Jaffe