MAD Magician

[Richard Romeo]

>On Tue, 14 Sep 1999, Richard Romeo wrote:
>
> > PS Halfway through Mr. Mendelson's article on the encyclopedic
> > GR--interesting contrast b/w pynchon's political usage of language as
> > compared to Joyce's more "biological", natural progression of language 
>in
> > Ulysses.  Mendelson claims Pynchon's usage more relevant, since it is
> > politicized.
>
>Naturally I guess I see what the gentleman means. However the word
>'relevant' seems a tiny bit dated. Back before the 60s I don't remember
>the word 'relevant' being used much in this sense. Don't think back then
>we would very often express approval in that particular way,  though of
>course I may be misremembering. If we liked something we might say we 'got
>something out of it.' I certainly got a lot out of Ulysses but
>please don't make me say what. Interesting difference in perspective.
>Wonder what analogous approving word  might be applied to a
>postmodernist work. Can something be relevant and irrelevant at the same
>time.
>
>The correct answer is YES.
>
>:-)
>
>			P.
----------------------------------------
I should've added Paul, that Mendelson is comparing specifically the Oxen 
and the Sun episode and the NTA/Tchitcherine episode. Both focus on 
language, the former as a means of growth and progression, from predawn 
grunts to chattering in the street, the latter as a means of control by the 
Soviet authorities in the 20s.

Mendelson also mentions that Enzian intends to launch himself in the 
reconstructed rocket.  Is that implied in the text ot noted directly? Links 
him to Gottfried and Blicero so make sense but I don't remember.

Rich

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