"The Pale King" is an unfinished novel by David Foster Wallace, published posthumously in 2011. The book explores the lives of IRS agents and the complexities of boredom, duty, and the search for meaning in mundane tasks. It reflects Wallace's unique narrative style and philosophical insights. The novel is structured as a series of interconnected essays and stories, featuring various characters and their experiences within the Internal Revenue Service. Although incomplete, "The Pale King" offers a deep examination of the human condition, emphasizing themes of attention, focus, and the often-overlooked significance of everyday life.