V. (Ch 3) Itinerary

[jbor]

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>From: "Paul Mackin" <pmackin at clark.net>
>To: "Pynchon-L" <pynchon-l at waste.org>
>Subject: Re: V. (Ch 3) Itinerary
>Date: Tue, Nov 28, 2000, 6:46 AM
>
snip
> A question: what's the significance of the smashing of Lepsius's blue
> glasses? Hanne WANTS to smash them and Porpentine actually does--in section
> viii. Does this indicate some mysterious link between Hanne and Porpentine.
> In addition of course to the one between Herbert and Porpentine. Or is Hanne
> just generally fed up with men and politics? Questions, questions . . .

I think that Hanne is simply frustrated that Lepsius seems to be hiding
behind those blue lenses. I guess that she can sense that he isn't being
wholly straight with her; it is this intimation which has spurred her
melancholy mood of the day. The blue eyeglasses are an outward manifestation
or focus of this unease in her, a neurotic fixation. If she can smash the
eyeglasses then all will be well, Lepsius will be true. It occurs to me that
her tryst with him is only a very recent one; and from his point of view it
is a totally opportunistic one of course, for he is using Hanne to spy for
him. This is what she senses but is refusing to admit to herself. Hanne is
clinging to a hope for honest love. In this respect it is quite a poignant
cameo. Hanne isn't so young or beautiful that she will have many
opportunities for happiness left; her boss keeps her on only because she is
a stereotypical blonde and lusty wench of Bavarian bierehalle ilk.

I think it's quite easy and much more interesting to try to engage with the
characters at a human level rather than seeking after complicated
symbologies all the time. The texture of the narrative is so much richer
that way; and it's always more than likely that it's the ostensible
symbolism which is in the eye of the beholder, far more so than character or
plot(s) are. Imo anyway.

best