Maas?

[Steven Maas (CUTR)]

Having read GR first, and CoL49 later, I must admit I was surprised and
more than a little gratified to find that my favorite author had chosen my
rather unusual name for his characters.  So far as I know, there is no
relationship between any member of my family and the object of this list's
affection.  However, while on the subject of the TRP/Dutch connection (the
double "a" is a dead giveaway) the episode in GR about the Dutchmen and
the Dodos was always one of my favorites, with Pynchon's description of
the Dutch setting out purposefully to wipe out the Dodos because their
Protestant sensibilities were greatly offended that a creature as stupid
and helpless as the Dodo should be the dominant form of life on
Mauretius*.  I've always regretted that it was possibly my own ancestors
who made it impossible for me ever to see one of these amazing creatures. 

*I've often wondered if these thoughts are recorded in contemporary
documents, or if Pynchon is just speculating about a possible motive. 

On Mon, 15 Jul 1996 LARSSON at VAX1.Mankato.MSUS.EDU wrote:

> 
> The Confessions of . . . 
> "Nonetheless, Steven Maas grew up                  
> amongst the cows and the corn in Nebraska and has lived in Tampa for 11
> years.  He is about to turn (gulp) 40. . . . "
> 
> But what relation to Mucho and Oedipa?
> 
> Don Larsson, Mankato State U (MN)
>