Pale Fire Group Read

[David Morris]

I'm still up for this, but I think we have to figure out HOW to do it.  The
typical P-list method of dividing the book into 20 page sections doesn't seem
like a good approach for PF.  I think your two readings approach is a good one.
 But does the "light" first reading mean we do so silently and then come
together on a second reading?  I think we'll lose the group-thing if we do
that.  So maybe we should devise a schedule for a brisk (fast) first read,
touching base after large chunks with "spoiler" warnings where appropriate,
knowing that we'll have a second go-round.  Then go back to the start and
re-read/comment, again at a brisk pace because we'll be reviewing what we've
just read.  I think the only way we'll have the stamina fo a double read is if
we make each read fairly quick.

We have a good group who've expressed willingness to participate (and I may be
missing someone):

charles albert
Jasper Fidget
Otto Sell 
Paul Mackin
S~Z
Vincent A. Maeder
David Morris
Great Quail

Unless someone who's going to participate has objections to this approach,
would somebody more qualified than I take on the task of devising a schedule?

David Morris

--- Jasper Fidget <jasper at hatguild.org> wrote:
> I'm willing to compile some introductory material for Pale Fire to start
> it off, and then later to lead some other section (or more depending on
> volunteers).  
> 
> As some others have mentioned, this book does pose some complexity for
> really discussing it while remaining fair to those who haven't read it.
> How adverse are first-time readers to being supplied information that
> may simultaneously deepen their understanding while spoiling their own
> discovery?  Perhaps a [warning: potential spoiler] type system could be
> employed?
> 
> The best approach is two readings.  The book is fairly easy going the
> first time through -- earlier sections tend to increase in density due
> to later sections, and this produces much paging back and forth (has
> anyone written a Skeleton Key to Pale Fire I wonder?) -- so I would
> recommend reading it once lightly (ignoring all the inscrutable
> references) then paying more attention on a subsequent reading.  But
> again, that's just the best approach, and perhaps not the most
> practical.
> 
> Also, contrary to Mr. Kinbote's advice, I would *not* recommend reading
> it out of order the first time....
> 
> Jasper Fidget
> 
> 
> 
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: owner-pynchon-l at waste.org 
> > [mailto:owner-pynchon-l at waste.org] On Behalf Of Tim Strzechowski
> > Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2003 11:31 PM
> > To: Pynchon-L; pynchonoid at pynchonoid.org
> > Subject: Re: Headcount Update #4,367
> > 
> > 
> > I think it would be an excellent testament to the scholarship 
> > and professionalism of this list (yes, it can be professional 
> > when it wants to
> > be!) to be able to pull off a simul-read with _Pale Fire_ and 
> > _Vineland_. I'd planned to reread PF during its group read 
> > anyways, and I envisioned two group readings going on at the 
> > same time, with listers dipping back and forth amongst the 
> > various threaded discussions of both books.  I think the 
> > possibilities are great!
> > 
> > Truth be told, I have no time to handle anything for the PF 
> > read (what with a three-week-old baby in the house, minimal 
> > sleep, tee-ball games for my six-yr-old, and a _Vineland_ 
> > read to prep for).  I was sort of assuming the PF reading 
> > would handle itself (since yesterday, it seemed so many 
> > people wanted to do it).
> > 
> > I think the organization of the _Pale Fire_ reading should go 
> > to those who expressed an interest in doing so (Morris, 
> > Quail, cfa, slothenvypride, et al).  If it goes, I'll be 
> > lurking and piping in as I see fit.  In the meantime, I'm 
> > looking forward to VLVL2.
> > 
> > Tim
> 


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