V.V. (8) Benny (was Re: Violence ON Demand)

[Michael Perez]

jbor wrote:
"I think you might be underestimating Benny a little on this . . . I
think he displays enormous tact and respect for Fina as well as for the
Mendoza family who has taken him in . . . There's a streak of common
sense and concern for other humans (like the time his partner is
attacked when that 'gator turned') with Benny which tends to get
overlooked. His acts of charity or benevolence stretch back to Rachel
and Paola as well. Benny is likeable I think, and it's do with that
'local good vs grandiose gestures' dichotomy which runs through
Pynchon's fiction like a vein of gold."

Okay, but part of what I was trying to get at was that I think he
underestimates himself, HE feels he's not up to some tasks.  I agree he
has common sense and concern for others and it does get overlooked. 
It's not that I think it wasn't noble of him to turn her away, but I
don't know if nobility was uppermost in his mind.  I still think there
may have been a good dose of self interest here, more trouble than it
could have been worth.  He does show a certain amount of respect and
gratitude for the Mendoza family, I suppose.  I don't really think that
Pynchon is implying that Fina was gangbanged (and possibly beaten to
death) BECAUSE Benny didn't come through and Benny probably doesn't
think she was either, but that's a possibility we can talk about, it's
not really clear.  I agree that Benny is likeable.

Michael

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