GRGR(9): Welcome

[Terrance F. Flaherty]

"John A. McNamara" wrote:
> 
> Terrance F. Flaherty wrote:
> >
> > David Morris wrote:
> > >
> > > : a ventral part (as a scale or fin)
> >
> > OK, but why does Pynchon use the same word "ventral"
> > to describe Slothrop's "kingly presence" ??
> 
> As I understood it, Slothrop was backing out of the
> room; so Slothrop's ventral surface was therefore
> facing the, umm, effulgence in the room.  IIRC one
> backs away from kings, or at least some kings.

Right.
> 
> > What about the
> > ostrich plumes and snow and gold lashes and pelisse?
> 
> Your guess is better than mine. :)

Even if we can attribute all of the costumes and artifacts
to Venus--and we can if we trace venus to  venus genetrix,
Aphrodite, ishtar-astarte, and so on--what does it add up
to. In each case, Pynchon subverts the association, the
laugh, the goat, the gold, the birth, the foam, the
genitals, the skin, and so on.  Clearly, Katje is associated
with venus here, but to what end? Her personas are directly
contrasted with Slothrop's. Katje is aware of her roles and
she loves nothing more, than to look in the mirror as she
plays.  

TF