good and bad fun (was Re: Miller, Burroughs, Pynchon)

[Robert Bruno]

On Wed, 29 May 1996, RICHARD ROMEO wrote:
~
> I always liked Pynchon as compared to Burroughs or Miller (and their ilk) 
> in that Pynchon's work though grim seems to imbue every character (even 
> Them) with some kind of care or compassion.(which  translates as the 
> reader will care)  This is missing IMHO from Burroughs and Miller (Tropic 
> of Cancer I thought was infantile snobby and mean.  
> 
For some reason, I like the "meanness" in Miller and Bukowski.  I find 
it refreshing, in an anti-PC sort of way.  I guess this is the same 
reason I like the really vile stand-up comedians like Dice or anyone who 
continues the legacy of Lenny Bruce.  Although Pynchon is funny and 
comedic in many ways, he sometimes comes across as a bit too corny in his 
humor, esp regarding his limericks.  But I also must admit that I love 
the way he incorporates Slap stick into his writing.  To get such a visual 
means of expression on paper is pretty impressive.  Imagine trying to 
tell someone about a three stooges episode; it's difficult, but Pynchon 
does it with ease.  So, to conclude, comedy falls into two categories: 
one mean spirited, one good spirited.  Pynchon walks the fence between 
the two, but he really doesn't offend anybody.  Personally, I'd rather 
read a rant by Bukowski than a limerick by Pynchon


Rob Bruno