MDMD: Latitudes and Departures (1)

[Michel Ryckx]

We are, during Latitudes & Departures (why not, by the way: 'Longitude &
Departures'?) introduced to an American family.  The young Republic may not be a
presence yet in the Reverend's tale on Mason and Dixon, we, the readers, are
introduced to America through a modal, middle class Philadelphia based family.

At first sight, all is well.  And then, the family is gradually exposed as more
characters are introduced: the twins are like most kids: they want to hear a story
(and it has the requested 'Frenchmen' (p. 7) in it).  But this story will be told
by the 'Family outcast' (p. 9).  Tenebrae (that name!) is introduced.  Later on,
we will be told that the 'Sultan' (p. 6) of the house is a weapon merchant:
'Ev'ryone "knows" '  (p. 31)  --which fits with: ' "The Business of the World is
Trade and Death [. . .]" (p. 247).

In comes Uncle Lomax (p. 47), producer of 'Anti-Soap' (p. 47).  He makes his money
while cheating.

(there's the beautiful intermezzo of course at the beginning of ch. 10, situated
in the orrery where we are explained what's the transit about).  Aunt Euphrenia
comes in -- I have the impression she's not very sane, perhaps she takes her
fantasies for real--  (at p. 103).

'America' is mentioned for the first time in relation to Mason and Dixon at p.
182:
" -- the two of huz, in America. "
"I don't think so"  "(p. 182)

The conversation on p. 216-218 with DePugh as a very ambitious young man, whatever
the prize: " "But it's America, Sir!  Competition is of her Essence! "

The depiction of America through this family leaves me, like Miss Tenebrae,
'perplex'd' (in her case at p. 247).  One may argue, of course that such families
also exist in, say, Andorra.  But mr.  Pynchon offers us during part 1 of the
novel a microcosmos with weapons, greed and ambition, maybe some lunacy, right
under a cover of christmastide happiness and hot coffee.  And he tells it in a
cheerful tone, maintaining the illusion of happiness.  Which makes it even darker.

Saying that America is largely absent is true for the story on Mason & Dixon, but
it's an overall presence in the novel during part 1.

But this may be "All subjunctive, of course " (p. 208).

Merry Christmas to you all.

Michel.