TRP Themes

[Hartwin Alfred Gebhardt]

Al sez:

> Pynchon criticizes the misuse of the thermodynamic entropy model most
> effectively by contrasting it against the information theory model of
> entropy. Both models mandate a natural tendency towards disorder, but with
> completely opposite effects.  Instead of chaotic activity leading to
> uniformity, stillness, and death, information dispersal leads to increased
> heterogeneity, unpredictability, the nonlinearity at the heart of our
> "mindless pleasures."  This model, and not the thermodynamic law, is the one
> applicable to our everyday lives.  

Information dispersal can also lead to increased surveillance... 
[STOP!] ... OK. The only time I remember information entropy being 
mentioned directly in TRP's fiction is in _that_ scene in COL49  And 
it is quite correctly mentioned that info entropy has absolutely 
nothing to do with the real thing (th/entropy)  With the rest of your 
statement (re. 'mindless pleasures') I concur.

> You can't help but notice how this thread has been using COL49 as a sort of
> "handbook" for getting at themes in GR.  How much validity do you suppose
> there is in this approach?

Is COL49 the 'key'? Maybe. It's not really the most urgent matter 
here though, is it?

hg
hag at iafrica.com