GRGR (5) PK

[Paul Mackin]

On Wed, 30 Jun 1999, ginnetti wrote:
> 
> I like Paul's comment, but I think this is a Pynchonian shell game of sorts
> too.  Taken to a logical extreme, the realization of Pointsman's project
> would, in a certain sense, be the end of even Pavlovian control:
> 
> Pointsman to Mexico:
> "'Pavlov believed that the ideal, the end we all struggle toward in science,
> is the true mechanical explanation.  He was realistic enough not to expect it
> in his lifetime.  Or in several lifetimes more.  But his hope was for a long
> chain of better and better approximations.  His faith ultimately lay in a pure
> physiological basis for the life of the psyche.  No effect without cause, and
> a clear train of linkages." (89.1-7)
> 
> To me this rhymes with Darwinism and genetics ("not to expect this in his . .
> . or several lifetimes," "long chain," "train of linkages") -- a psychological
> gene therapy.  So is the control in nature or in an agent's ability to
> manipulate this technology.  TRP is clearly contextualizing Pointsman's remark
> within a political context; the preceding sentence sets up thus: "But
> [Pointsman] glances sharply at this young anarchist in his red scarf."  So, I
> also wonder if this serves as a metaphor for understanding history.
>


Do you mean Pointsman is out-Pavloving Pavlov? Rather than trying to
develop some general principle of human stimulus/rocket response, the good
doctor is completely centered on the rocket's response to a single
individual namely Slothrop. Though Pointsman sees himself as a scientist,
limiting himself to a sample of one  places his project in the realm of
technology not science--the sort of thing that would have been at most of
only seconday interest (i think) to Pavlov. Of course this particular
effort at control is doomed to fail. The entire book is a ticking off of
attempts at technological solutions which  fail. History also is a ticking
off of technological solutions that fail. So, yes, what Pointsman is doing
is a metaphor for understanding history. Am I on anything like the right
track with  what you're saying?
 
				P.