V. (Ch 3) Itinerary

[Paul Mackin]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Terrance" <lycidas2 at earthlink.net>
> Fun, fun, fun, I'm not quite sure what you mean by the STORY
> holding the interest, not sure that's the point is all, but
> I think "Under the Rose" (and of course the Musical
> allusions there), were mentioned as holding this fragmented
> story together, not sure about that. I think Chapter One of
> M&D is Pynchon's own comment on this, but WC did have to
> hold their interest or be out in the cold, note how he is
> Stencil Matured.


Think I was only expressing a preference for the literal in discussing
p-text. Something jbor had said got me off on it. Not to shortchange the
symbolic--nonreligious symbolism--which of course is everywhere in our
secular existences and inescapable. And Pynchon talks about much that is
symbolic (symbolistic)--like Kabbala or such type things--but this is
mention not use as I prefer to read it. I like to read Pynchon mainly as
characters interacting with each other--even imaginary characters such as
Stencil's personifications.  I do get rather uneasy when the discussion gets
off on what is being said to us--as opposed to what is being said to
Porpentine or Bongo-Shaftsbury. As if something mysterious and hidden needs
to be expressed. We live in an age, or in a society, in which  simple
rational ideas can be simply expressed. No one needs to talk in allegories
and metaphors.  Don't want to overstate this or put too fine a point on it.
It's not an exact science.


            P.