Lot 49

[Richard Romeo]

Malign sed:What is a reader to take from this?  Go read history?  Be a good 
grad >student?  Apply some textual theory?  If that satisfies you, fine.  I 
find it >unfinished and weak.
>
>---------------------
it may have worked better as a longer novella, I agree.  I think what P. may 
be criticizing it for is its overwrought structure, filled with leaden 
symbolisms--the story, in a sense, can't carry that much baggage.
Maybe that's why it's taught so much, forgetting for a moment its length.

I would add however that it's still a fascinating read, if anything for the 
local color of mid 60s southern cal.

Malign has also questioned P.'s characterizations in this book as weak--i 
would argue that V. and GR are guilty of same--but, as u well know by now 
there is the consolation of such beautiful and wonderfully odd use of 
language--I know some readers find that an evasion of their critiques, but 
for me, I can't deny at points that plot never really mattered or 
characterization if the language soars and keeps me interested.> I would 
admit, a very subjective view.

Pynchon learned something over those 17 yrs of silence--he learned to dig a 
bit deeper w/ his characterizations (or at least adjusting his focus) in 
Vineland and M&D, for better or worse (to some)

Rich
>


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