V.V. (8) Benny

[Paul Mackin]

Many frames of reference within which Benny might be analyzed. I prefer
stereotypes of popular fiction. Keep it simple. Benny's character can't be
overdeveloped, his motivation dwelt on too rigorously, or else his symbolic
function will suffer.

A feminist perspective might emphasize that the relationship between Benny and
Angel plays such a big role in ensuing behavior. 

			P.


On Mon, 29 Jan 2001, Karen Hudes wrote:
> The righteous thing would have been to defend Fina, but he defers to Angel
> as her owner of sorts (and someone to whom he is in debt). Since Benny can't
> make any claim to her, and really wants nothing to do with her anymore, he
> won't step in to protect her.
> 
> Compare this with his later defense of Paola against Pig Bodine. Whether
> he's matured or he loves her, or just feels more of a sense of possession
> this time around, the code still looms large--Benny reminds Pig that he owes
> him one.
> 
> ----------
> >From: Michael Perez <studiovheissu at yahoo.com>
> >To: Pynchon List <pynchon-l at waste.org>
> >Subject: Re: V.V. (8) Benny (was Re: Violence ON Demand)
> >Date: Sun, Jan 28, 2001, 9:03 AM
> >
> 
> >jbor wrote:
> >"I think that respect for both Fina and for Angel are uppermost in his
> >mind. . . It's probably worthwhile to compare and contrast his response
> >to Fina's come-on with his earlier responses to Rachel and Paola in
> >this respect. Telling her not to go off 'yelling rape' to Angel he is
> >certainly trying to cover his ass, but I think he proves himself a
> >'friend' to both Fina and Angel in this sequence."
> >
> >Well, I still don't know about "uppermost in his mind," but I'm
> >certainly willing to consider that Benny should be given more credit
> >than even I might have been willing to allow him.  I always thought
> >Benny wasn't given a fair shake in some of the Pynchcrit written about
> >him, but I still don't know if I'd go this far.  What do you think of
> >his reactions at the end of the chapter - to the gangbang, the beating
> >and possible murder, the "code?"  COULD or SHOULD he have tried to do
> >something to diffuse the situation?  And since, of course, he did
> >nothing, what does this say, if anything, about his friendship?
> >
> >Michael
> >
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