VLVL 3 Zoyd and Hector

[pynchonoid]

Of course the very notion that a pig (Pynchon makes
sure we know H is fat) like Hector shows respect for
the civilians he targets with various entrapment,
blackmail, and other coercive tactics,  doesn't make
sense in the counterculture milieu ('60s down in Lower
California, '80s up north) that Zoyd inhabits. Zoyd
does show respect for Hector in his capacity as a
federale-- the same kind of "respect" a prison inmate
shows a prison guard:  fear-based and maintained by
regular exercise of negative reinforcement.

It is funny to hear Vineland being criticized from a
perspective that so resembles the very Reagan/Bush
political line that Vineland thoroughly debunks and
disrespects, but that's understandable I guess,
considering the cultural shift that's taken place, 
rogue operators like Vond now become national icons
with radio and TV talk shows, multimillion dollar book
deals, associated merchandising, etc.,  prosecutors
now number among the most revered heroes of all (count
them among the rest of the bobbleheads on the Tube
these days), & etc. 

All things considered, I'd spend a  weekend with Zoyd
over Hector any day.   Pynchon likes Zoyd (and
Frenesi) a lot, too -- brings them back into the warm
bosom of a loving, extended family at the end of the
novel, not quite the fate that Pynchon fashions for
Brock Vond.

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