Thoughtcrime

[The Great Quail]

I just read Pynchon's intro last night.

OK, I have to say, this is one of the most absurd and lame debates I have
yet to see on this List. Of *course* Pynchon is speaking in general
political terms; but also, of *course* he uses WWII and the Stalinist
aftermath to frame his thinking, and *naturally* he alludes to current
events in the United States. Does he *specifically* mean the contemporary US
with his "homeland" and "bombs falling" comment? Of course not. But can it
be applied to the present situation? Well, of course it can, and I am sure
that was in his mind.

Yes, he comes off as a bit cranky, especially regarding his fear of the
Internet (though if he dropped in on this List from time to time, one might
grant him that fear!), but he also serves up a few mild warnings to us
moderns that yes, indeed, the media is manipulated by the government. I
don't think he couches it as a Great Revelation, nor do I think he's issuing
a manifesto to tear down the State.

All in all, I found it a mild, informative, but overall unremarkable
introduction. Though I did like his discussion of Orwell's photograph and
his personalization of Julia.

I confess, I fail to see what all the fuss is about....

--Quail