VLVL2 (9): That Long Sentence

[Tim Strzechowski]

The epic sentence that begins with "By the time ..." (143.16) and concludes with "... the gods of the sky" (143.36) provides the reader with important background and characterization of Takeshi Fumimota, despite its heavily subordinated structure.

The sentence itself is a reflection by Takeshi on the events in his professional life that have led to this moment, the moment he is descending the inner walls of the footprint crater to "get to the bottom of this" (142).

Most immediately, we learn that the gigantic footprint is "reeking," and that the weather conditions at this moment are rainy, creating a mud that Takeshi must ambulate through as he continues into the crater.  We also learn that the area is barricaded and surrounded by emergency vehicles and personnel (lines 16 - 19).

Our omniscent narrator reveals that Takeshi recognizes this situation as "a mystery that might at the end be only as simple as greed."  Conspiracy?  Paranoia?

(And what does the phrase "become at least independent" [143.20] modify, by the way?  How does it fit into the context of the sentence?  It's not supposed to be part of a compound predicate, is it?  Or is it a descriptor of Takeshi who, now, is freelancing?  But I don't quite see how the construction of the sentence clarifies that.)

Takeshi then begins to reflect on his "former mentor" and "eccentric CEO" Professor Wawazume, who "kept sending a lot of business [Takeshi's] way" despite his freelance work and its effects upon him: his professional attire and his work space, complete with a description of the photograph of Takeshi and Prof. W. the latter had given him as a parting gift.

Finally we learn of Takeshi's background in Hong Kong.

In many ways, this paragraph parallels (and echoes) the description of Hector we saw back in Chapter 3: "It was the closest Hector got to feeling sorry for himself . . . upping the ante as he moved into his late career" (29).  Interestingly, while Hector "sadly knew this wasn't anywhere near the samurai condition of always being on that perfect edge prepared to die" (line 26), Takeshi likens himself to "a ronin, or samurai without a master" as he freelances "in a dangerous world."

Are there other parallels or contrasts between Hector and Takeshi?


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