VLVL2 and NPPF: Cultural Elitism

[Tim Strzechowski]

Game shows ...

TV sitcoms ...

Films ...

Pynchon-invented made-for-TV movies ...


Since all can be viewed on the Tube, what are the metephoric patterns that each one serves in the narrative?


  In Vineland, the repetition of TV sitcoms and pop culture references serves a converse purpose: while readers of Vineland may find the references mildly amusing and nostalgic, Pynchon is nevertheless establishing a system of metaphor (e.g. the "game show" motif) that will reflect the moral complexities and ambiguities of many of the novel's characters.  In essence, what seems to the casual reader a passing reference to some element of pop culture becomes, later in the novel, an ever-growing network of symbol and metaphor (cf. Paul N's and Michael J's thread discussing mythology) that will vibrate throughout the work.

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