MDMD (2) chap. 6

[Steven Maas (CUTR)]

Mark Smith wrote:
> Can anyone explain why, after the great build up of expectation in
> chapter
> 6 concerning the crossing of the equator, Pynchon just drops it
> entirely?
> The next thing we know we are in Capetown (chap.7) and the "Polliwogs"
> have apparently not been subject to any humiliating rituals at all.

I think the rituals definitely *were* carried out--as the Rev'd says "our
Attentions to the Royal Baby, and the rest of it, [Note "the rest of it"
left to our imagination] were Tolls exacted for Passage thro' the Gate of
the single shadowless Moment. . . ."

> In a
> lesser author we would call it careless.  In Shakespeare we would say
> there must be something missing or lost.  What do we say of Mr. Pynchon?
> I'm sure there could be some hermenutical justification of this
> narrative
> ommision (and I expect to hear of it!) but for me, I'm sorry, it just
> seems downright strange.

I imagine he thought it would be repetitive to describe the actual Ritual
since he had already described the preparations for it.  I'm glad you
prompted to reread this--it's a very funny yet somehow profound passage.

	Steve Maas