MDMD(2) : Openers

[ckaratnytsky at nypl.org]

     MDMD(2):  A Tough Act To Follow

     Discussion of MDMD(1) is hereby ended.  We commence discussion of 
     MDMD(2), which is Chapters 5-7, and begin reading Chapters 8-10.  
     MDMD(3), being hosted by Meg Larson, is scheduled for posting on 4 
     July.
     
     Ah, friends, as I was busy all this week-end ripping my stockings in 
     some jukebox dive is it any wonder that the MDMD(2) is late?  How hard 
     I tried, how hard!  Alas, with general recalcitrance an on-going 
     issue, this Stuffata is only a half-baked job.  With your kind 
     contributions maybe we can make use of it.  As a separate post, I will 
     forward the notes and questions which Andrew, in his usual thorough 
     fashion, generously put together for me, for us.  I had toyed with the 
     idea of combining this into a single post, but I did not want to risk 
     encouraging the mistaken notion that I had worked as hard on this as 
     he had.
     
     Plot Summary:
     
     Chapter 5:  Mason and Dixon's paranoid speculations regarding the 
     attack of the l'Grand continue in earnest, augmented by an all-night 
     drinking binge.  Eventually these cogitations give way to action when 
     the frightened pair, desperate for either an explanation of the attack 
     or a reprieve from their scheduled mission, draft a letter to the 
     Royal Society.  Mason is shocked and disappointed with the reply 
     (apparently an officious scolding), which provides neither.

     Chapter 6:  The scene returns briefly to Philadelphia.  Wicks confirms 
     that the pair have been compelled by the RS to follow the original 
     terms of their agreement.  Tenebrae, innocent of the darker workings 
     of Royal Societies (guess she hasn't read Gravity's Rainbow), wonders 
     why Mason and Dixon's justifiable request to have their mission 
     relocated can't be honored.  Uncle Lomax, a maker of soap of dubious 
     quality, is introduced.  The scene returns to the Seahorse, which, 
     after picking up supplies in Tenerife, continues, desultorily, on its 
     way.  Captain Grant's crew, lotus-eaters one and all, are afflicted 
     with great boredom, and our friend Fender-Belly distinguishes himself 
     in the area of creative amusements.  The Chapter closes with the Rev'd 
     observing Mason and Dixon at play at a game called Sumatra, in which 
     the  Island and its mysteries are imagined, chiefly in the form of 
     desirable women.
     
     Chapter 7:  The Seahorse arrives in Cape Town.  Mason and Dixon make 
     the acquaintance of the congenial but slightly strange Vrooms, 
     Cornelius, Johanna and their three daughters, Jet, Greet and Els.  The 
     Hair-Brush Dilemma, as performed by these exceptionally ripe young 
     ladies upon the hapless Mason, reveals itself to be a serious game of 
     sexual provocation.  Mason confers with Dixon with regard to the 
     designs of Johanna Vroom upon his services as stud for the female 
     slave Austra.  They strategize, discussing Potions and Dreams.  On 
     Austra's advice, they are sent to see Toko, a Malay Pygmy, of a tribe 
     adept at Dreaming.  The Chapter end with a return to the framing 
     story, as Ethelmer is roundly scolded by Mr. LeSpark for his somewhat 
     controversial remarks regarding Christ's role in the design of 
     History.
    

     Comments and Questions:
          
     1.  Mischief.  What's going with all of these games--either 
     bureaucratic, sexual, or nautical?
          
     2.  Friendship.  Though the reasons for the l'Grand's attack is left a 
     mystery, Mason and Dixon's experience of it provides an opportunity 
     for the development of mutual respect and trust.  What comments can be 
     made at this point about their relationship?
     
     3.  Resonances--Science.  It is worth taking a look at some of the 
     late chapters in Section 1 of Gravity's Rainbow for comparison here 
     (esp. those involving Edward Pointsman).  How does Science and its 
     uses thus far in Mason and Dixon differ with Science and its uses in 
     GR?
     
     4.  Resonances--Words.  Note this at the opening of Chapter 6:  "The 
     Interdiction at Sea," it seems to the Rev'd, "was patently a warning 
     to the Astronomers, from Beyond."  The operative word here being 
     Interdiction, can someone make comments about this all too Pynchonian 
     notion?  
     
     5.  Resonances--Slaves.  Some of Pynchon's most disturbing images of  
     human cruelty are those scenes in V. in which the treatment of slaves 
     is depicted.  Again, with attention being paid to the contrast, what 
     comments can be made?  

     promising to do better next time,
     
     Chris