Pynchon and Quantum Mechanics?

Bonnie Surfus (ENG) surfus at chuma.cas.usf.edu
Mon Feb 20 09:34:21 CST 1995


Tim,

I'd be willing to bet that very few of us could sit down, right now, and 
tell you about "subjunctive future imperfect". . .  In Comp/Rhet, there 
was a lovely bit of work during the formation of the field, by some 
referred to as the "expressivists."  They maintained that grammar is 
acquired through practive and so let them write--then, provide your 
comments.  This means you can sit in your office with your grammar guides 
and feel very intelligent as you inform your students of their improper 
use of modification (i.e., the dreaded dangling modifier.)  Somehow, I 
had an affinity for the field as I found it was something I could "do."  

I mock this pedagogical position, but I also believe in it.  Maybe 
calculus would be easier for me now than it was 14 years ago, given my 
understanding of how grammar is actually acquired,or how it seems to be . 
. .

You, like me, tend to be self-deprecating and close out your posts 
quickly.  But you are probably right about the "science lurkers" and I 
know that I, if not many others appreciate your comments.  I don't want 
to be throwing theory around without some validation or correction.  

so. . . thanks.

Bonnie



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