Slothrop and the hegemonic discourse

[Andrew Martino]

This may have been said in a previous discussion, and if it has I 
apologize for re-stating it.  I think Justin's observation of a link 
between Slothrop and Bartleby is quite correct.  Slothrop' identity is 
fleeting by the end of GR.  However, I think the most important 
connection between Bartleby and Slothrop occurs in the last few pages 
of GR.  Bartleby is silent because he refuses to speak the language of 
the dominant culture; the hegemonic discourse as put forth by Wall 
Street.  We can only recall he famous statement "I would rather not".  
I lent my copy of GR to a friend, so I am taking this from memory, but 
the end of GR discusses the ontological status of Slothrop's 
(grandfather?) as a pariah; the one cast out and existing on the 
peripheric boundary.  It seems to me that what is the most important 
aspect to all of this is the loss of a language; a means of expression. 
That is, those who refuse to assimilate are silenced.  Bartleby and 
Slothrop are silenced.  

Sorry for the seemingly unfocused wording of this, but I have been 
working on final papers all week and my eyes are about to give out.  
But, the connection between Bartleby and that aspect of GR is (to me) 
very important and interesting.  And I would guess that Pynchon was 
writing with this in mind.  Just my 2 cents.

                            Andrew