Re: NN Re: Temperance Pledge

[MalignD at aol.com]

<<Consequently, Vincent A. Maeder's structuring the Nabokov group read to 
explore N's influences on P is certainly acceptable, given the definition of this 
list, and I'm quite excited to see how it pans out.  But we're not the 
Nabokov List. >>

This all seems to me like very petty bickering.   Much as I love the novel, 
much as I've touted it on this list, I didn't suggest a reading of Pale Fire.   
Nevertheless, I endorse the idea.   

I don't know if the Vineland reading was put out as an idea that would 
torpedo or maim the PF reading; if so, it's a shame.   If not, to each his own.

TP isn't writing much; or, if he is, it's not available yet.   We seize at 
what he does write, e.g., the Orwell Intro, and good for us.   We spent nearly 
two months ripping into that.   But this list is open-ended, timewise.   We 
spent a year after September 11, discussing, vigorously what, finally,   has 
little Pynchon content, but were certainly the better for doing so (all told) from 
a TP point of view or not.   We have lots of time.

I think digging briefly into a writer of no less stature than TP, i.e., 
Nabokov, one who, furthermore, has historical connections to Pynchon, is a very 
interesting thing to do.   I can't imagine that anyone who applies seriousness to 
the reading of Pale Fire, will not find his consideration of Pynchon altered, 
and for good reasons:   consideration of a writer who likely influenced him, 
or simply because Pale Fire is such a notable contrast to GR, such a different 
way to make literature of equal caliber.   So I think you all should embrace 
this reading.   It will not diminsih TP, it will be enlightening and 
interesting, and it won't make TP go away.   Plus Pale Fire is fun and Nabokov will 
likely become a lifelong source of pleasure for those for whom he isn't already.

And, one might add, there isn't an internet list--the Nabokov list, the 
DeLillo list, the Gaddis list--that trust its man enough to allow this sort of 
thing.

Certainly not the DeLillo list ...

   


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