How people read the Pyncher (was Re: Charles Hollander's Essay)

[Paul Mackin]

David Morris wrote:

>
> It's not the way I prefer to understand Pynchon's writings.  I like to 
> think they are more abstract and further-reaching (if not grasping).


Abstract. In other words, nonrepresentational. Line, color, composition. 
This works in painting. Or used to anyway. So we have novels made up of 
narrational elements that are aesthetic, entertaining, interesting in 
themselves, in their own right. Richly imagined people, situations,  
events, historic connections, memory, desire, emotional pitch, plot 
complexity.  Each element and all elements combined and singly and 
togetheragain all beyond interpretation. Not standing for anything but 
itself or themselves. Trouble is, writing nonrepresentational fiction 
requires special care. Story characters and story plots have a very 
strong tendency to be representational. Authors must take special steps 
to counter this and subvert  representation. Else we will find our Aunt 
Bessie or Uncle Albert in every scene. Pynchon subverts his 
representations quite a lot, even to a fault some might say. But of 
course he can only go so far in this direction. Pynchon might be a good 
candidate for "abstract" fiction writing. The idea has some 
importance--the idea of "beyond interpretation" I mean.  Don't know 
about the rest of you but once I decide what a novel "means" the whole 
experience is near ruined. I have taken things one step too far. Is that 
all there is? Who doesn't know THAT already? Screw interpretation.

David is on to something.

P.

>
> David Morris
>
>> From: Paul Mackin <paul.mackin at verizon.net>
>>
>> Yes, well I do think Charles H. has captured the way a significant a 
>> number of p-readers DO read the novels, essays, and P himself Pynchon 
>> the man in society). Magic eye, double name business and all. I 
>> wouldn't have appreciated this before joining up with the p-list some 
>> seven years ago.
>>
>> Bandwraith at aol.com wrote:
>>
>>> Charles Hollander's essay- Pynchon, JFK and the CIA: Magic Eye Views 
>>> of The Crying of Lot 49, in Pynchon Notes 40-41 (spring-fall 1997), 
>>> is an amazing synthesis, a fresh perspective on COL49 and desrves 
>>> credit as such.
>>
>
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