ETA is literally a military base lol (+ a few points about landscapes 🌄🏞️ in Infinite Jest)
I'm at pages 480-490 in the novel, I'm reading about the ETA morning practice Hal and his buddies have to endure.
I used to be serve in the army for a year, mandatory service. Well, I must say reading this chapter felt relatable haha. Coach Schtitt could've very well been an army Colonel. I also found tragic and funny the part were he told the kids that they'll have to literally *live* inside the courts if they don't get any better at Tennis.
What I also found quite relatable for me is when the novel takes time to describe the surrounding landscape of ETA along with the narrative. Indeed when you're low-key stressing, especially when you're in a tight program, nature is just the only thing that'll bring you some peace.
Speaking of landscapes, I've noticed that most of the novel takes place *inside* some premises and buildings. Of course a major exception would be Marathe and Steeply on the shelf.
I think a significant contributing factor to IJ's dimness and depressing atmosphere is that it places us inside, for the most part, either Boston AA or ETA.
But, when they book does eventually describe the landscape, it's beautiful and mesmerising. I think it gives that *light at the end of the tunnel* effect.