Gottfried & Blicero

[Paul Mackin]

Rob--I'm not complaining but you didn't, did you, find anything in my
whimsical little post from which to conclude that I think P is homophobic
or racist or sexist?  Actually I think the homoerotic and sadomasochistic
stuff is the best writing in the book and homophobic in only the most
transparent stereotypical way. GR is a book for grownups and doesn't need
to refrain from silly political incorrectnesses. Sex together with
sadomasochism (in its milder forms most of the time) is what makes the
world go round. But I know you agree.

			P.

On Fri, 18 Aug 2000, jbor wrote:

> 
> Yes, I've read the sort of criticism which takes Pynchon on for his supposed
> homophobia and stereotyping (and racism!) in the novel. But I think that
> these are critics who have needed to read *GR* in particular ways in order
> to justify their own biases, and so have gotten all tangled up ascribing
> their own good and evil (mainly evil) constructions as Pynchon's. If you
> read the Blicero/Gottfried section as an affirmation of humanity then you
> needn't run into this cul de sac. There's nothing intrinsically wrong with
> shit, death, sex, genitalia, penetration, bodily contact, sperm, or what
> have you anyway. These're all part of the miracle of Life.
> 
> The extraordinary honesty of the scene is deeply touching imo:
> 
> "It is important tonight that they both be men." (721.28)
> 
> I think that, like Gottfried, the reader must "keep himself open, loosen the
> sphincter of his soul". (722.18)
> 
> best
> 
> ----------
> >From: Paul Mackin <pmackin at clark.net>
> >To: pynchon-l at waste.org
> >Subject: Re: Gottfried & Blicero
> >Date: Fri, Aug 18, 2000, 4:47 AM
> >
> 
> >> Blicero and Gottfried seem to be the
> >> > only major
> >> > characters with a homosexual relationship in GR
> >>
> >> Not Blicero/Weissman and Enzian?
> >
> > How about Crutchfield and the Little Pard?
> >
> > Or Sir Marcus and Clive?
> >
> > Or Pudding and Pointsman Senior? (always wondered about them)
> >
> > Or Vaslov and do ya wanna keep coolen? Naw.
> >
> > Oh you're talking about major characters.
>