Aphorism

[Terrance F. Flaherty]

I really think rj has the P for P correct here, though
David's point that they are all associated with Slothrop is
important as well---slothrop is mediator (quester/quest).
Does Pynchon use these "aphorisms" to temper his anger as
Nieztche? One of
the advantages of the aphorism or pensée is that it can
easily produce an impression of depth when it may be only a
commonplace pungently expressed. Another is that it allows
several approaches to a subject by the skilled prose writer.
If he is of a fiery temperament, prone to enthusiasms and
lashing out in
wrath against what he deems to be false, he can, like
Nietzsche, embrace contradictions and sponsor opposed
attitudes.  

Part I ended with sad notes, H&G and bombs, and death of
fathers, and children fighting on boxing day, and dead
english soldiers (fathers) in the snow and german airmen in
the sky (makes you shiver--did did did you see the falling
bombs, did did did you see the frightened ones). Are those
machine gun voices of the children in the H&G section now
taking aim across no man's land at Pynchon's political
targets? Part II opens with comic hollywood/control and
slpstick cartoon comedy--slothrop in a purple toga (phallic
comedy) up a half sawed through tree and Katje is back and
gregori and vulgar songs, but it gets very dark, Eliot seems
to dominate here, as overt and direct historical attacks can
not be contained by the comic/fantacy.