Durrell and Pynchon's parodies

[JULIUS RAPER]

Paul Mackin is right about the connection between V. and Durrell--both
parody and tribute, I'd guess.  The combination was necessary c. 1960-63,
since both men were working to create distance between modernist writing
and their own, Durrell by violating the obligation to ascribe presentation
to specified and appropriately informed points of view (in BALTHAZAR and
MOUNTOLIVE), Pynchon by parodying the specified pov in Herbert's 8
impersonations episode. At the time, Durrell was "the next big thing"
after Joycewoolffaulkner, so he was privileged to become one of TRP's many
parodied precursors.
	It's intriguing to compare the evolution of the two since 1963,
Durrell in the rather V.-esque REVOLT OF APHRODITE and the later pretty
unique Avignon Quintet (1974-85); Pynchon in GR and now M&D.  The Quintet
challenges in more ways than the latter, but no more than GR.
	By the way, the Durrell people hold extraordinary conferences
every two years, alternating betw. the US and the Durrell locales, Avignon
in '92 and Alexandria in '96.  The site in '98 is Cincinnati, May 20-24,
'98. Comparisons betw. Durrell and Pynchon are always welcomed.  For info,
write Prof. Bill Godshalk, University of Cincinnati, Dept. of English. 
						Jack