MDMD Intro

[Judy Panetta]

Welcome everyone to the Mason and Dixon Marvelous Divergence. Thanks to the
organizers and greetings to those still with us. Now, no crying for the lot
49 and please...shall we keep the decoding cool calm and collected?

To start...

Handy resource:
http://www.hyperarts.com/pynchon/mason-dixon/index.html

For stream of conscious whimsy: Foreshadowing the Text by Irving Mailin,
Pynchon and Mason & Dixon

Get a pictorial view of Philadelphia:
http://www.ushistory.org/birch/index.htm
Published in 1800

But what about Chapter 1?

It is a cold snowy day in Philadelphia in 1786. Which is quite a marvel as
Phila. gets very little snow because of the moisture from the two rivers.
Typical snow fall is between 4"-1'. When, on occasion there is the "storm of
the century" (referencing the 1996 storm-30+ inches) it is quite an event.

The opening action begins with the last moments of a day at play. Children
scampering into the house (grabbing kitchen treats on the fly) and on to
their "rumpus room."

We are introduced first to Whiskers, the cat. We then meet the twins (Pitt
and Pliny) and their sister, Tenebrae and finally the Reverend Wicks
Cherrycoke (Mother's brother). Later on Ives LeSpark (Father's brother)
makes an appearance.

This is the home of Mr. and Mrs. (Zab) J. Wade Le Spark and their three
children. Mr. LeSpark is a merchant, providing a comfortable but not
extravagant living for his family judging by the decor. It is Advent and the
Revd has been visiting since October when he returned to Philly to attend
Charles Mason's funeral. Ala Scheherazade, the Rev must earn his keep by
entertaining the children which he has managed to do by telling adventure
tales.

The overall tone is one of hearth and home, comfort and security. The Treaty
of Paris was three years ago-the war is over, the family relaxes, insulated
from the weather and the politics, both local and "national." In chapter one
as in the balance of the novel (as I recall), the adults (other than the
Rev) are invisible. Like the Tom & Jerry Cartoons or Peanuts...their
presence is felt but not seen. Lovely food is offered up...mmmm...fresh
fried donuts and coffee.

Coffee! Gallons of coffee. Any thoughts on the presence of coffee? A social
contrivance? A historical tidbit worth working?

The family was of the merchant class...somewhat comparable to middle class
now. There is no mention of servants. The furniture in the rumpus room is
not the highest quality and although this furniture is recycled for the
kiddies' use...it never was the good stuff. I find it interesting that only
certain pieces deserve mention. While some pieces are included to create an
ambience, others take on the role of exposition. More about the furniture in
another post. The LeSparks live in the southeast part of the city...wind of
Delaware (River), Northern Liberties, Spring Garden, and Germantown all
being west and north. That is, they live right in town...not in any of the
suburbs.

The summing...we're cozy and warm and ready for a good yarn.