MDMD(3): Fijian Guitars

[Mike Hayes]

On the issue of accuracy and historical records, I think it interesting
that Jet is serenaded by a Fijian guitar early in the third chapter. While
there is a Fijian guitar now, this was not modified from the European
version, I think, till the mid 1800s, and probably has some connections to
the Hawaiian version, the Ukelele. Few Europeans landed on Fiji till the
19th century, (and Bligh, after his mutiny, attempted a landing on on of
the FIjian islands around 1790, but was repelled). So it is impossible for
a guitar to be in Cape town in 1761. 

However, the 'young gallant' playing it is probably duped by the seller,
and buys into the Jesuit conspiracy, for the Jesuits had apparently visited
Fiji 200 years before and provided the guitar. Now this could be mistaking
Fiji for Vanuatu (New Hebrides), as the Spanish attempted a religous colony
here, calling the place La Australia del Espirito Santo, and the island
group Islas de Gente Hermosa (I don't know if they were Jesuits). This was
the 1500s (can't remember the exact date,around 1560 I think). However, I'm
pretty sure, no guitars. 

Or, the most likely scenario, is that the young gallant was fooled by a
rather good salesman who made up this history. And this also our position,
I reckon, that Pynchn cautiously reminds us of: the stuff we are asked to
believe, and which we often do so willingly, like what Cherrycoke has to
say, and even what many official histories say.  


Mike H