The Real V?

[LARSSON at vax1.mankato.msus.edu]

Bonnie writes:
Each time she is
Stencilized in a "new" way.  This is notable because I believe that
Pynchon is suggesting that certain manipulations of inital conditions
(historical record from early civilizations concerning cultural/religious
practicies that don't necessarily favor male hegemony) have altered the
ultimate picture--we read OVERWHELMINGLY of a male God and of a male
reich and of a male diplomacy, etc. etc.  And underneath these various
facades is the truth--of teh Goddess of power, a goddess whose life-givin
and regenerative strength are paramount to the people of Malta (in
particular) and also, everywhere (Profane's dilemma).  In various
iterations, we see this power--even in the oil on canvas image of
Boticelli's Venus, who is not free from male projections of sexual
dominance ande dreams of ownership.
But then, I'm rewriting my paper here for you.  I will try to set
limits.  But, I must say that I'm enjoying this tremendously."

I doesn't sound like we disagree about the uses and abuses of V.-as-signifier;
I was just doubting her ontological status.

Yes, it is fun, isn't it?

--Don Larsson, Mankato State U., MN