GRGR(8) Discussion Opener

[Paul Mackin]

> Does anyone have any thoughts about TRP's use of the word "cunt"? 
> Every female I've ever met utterly despises the word.  It does have
> a harsh, almost aggressive sound to it and is the word of choice
> should one wish to denigrate or insult a female but find "bitch"
> not to be sufficient.  Why did TRP choose this word rather than one
> of the others such as pussy, quim, muff, etc.?

Well, it IS the word Virginia Woolf might have used under the circumstances
(and  probably did, though I can't remember exactly where this hot minute).

Repeated three times in one paragraph woulda got Pynch marked down in
English Comp 101, but NOT in the novel of the century. He knew
OTHER words but evidently liked the sound of THIS one. (Isn't it a
better choice than the alternatives suggested?)

Stylistically, the TOUGHNESS of the word contrasts beautifully
with the  TENDERNESS of the moment. (There must be some Greek
word describing such a rhetorical figure.)

HARSH as the word "cunt" is considered by some to be, the author is not
committing an AGGRESIVE act--against an individual--merely by
putting it in his book. WRITING it is not the same as SAYING it to someone.

That's the way it seems to me anyway.

					P.