VLVL 4: War, politics and love

[Tim Strzechowski]

I must admit, I've been a resident of the United States and a native speaker
of English for almost 38 years, and I've *never*, in my life, heard of
something called a "Bush Veterinarian."

Is this someone who examines animals in the wild?  Is it someone who attends
to the First Pet?  One can almost see a crude animal genetalia joke coming
across the horizon.

But, seriously . . .

Given the context of Vietnam and 1960's in this novel and the various
passages of supporting evidence noted by Rob, I have to agree that, for me
at least, a "bush vet" signifies someone with a Vietnam (or, at least, a
military/jungle) experience.  The term "vet" may seem ambiguous, but given
typical Pynchon style which uses colloquialisms within the narrative pov, as
well as an abundance of military-term  imagery throughout the novel ("Hector
was up and running for the kitchen [...] now with a platoon of folks come
crashing in after him . . ." (32) is one of many examples), I find the term
more evidence of the Vietnam-era sensibility within the text than that of
the occupation of an animal veterinarian.

And this isn't to discount the WORK reading you are trying to pursue, but,
jeez, a veterinarian, of all things??  Seems a tad out of left field,
methinks, no?

I'm curious as to how you can support that interpretation.

Tim



> "Bush Vet" is both a Veterinarian and Vietnam Vet.
>
> I think the ambiguity is deliberate.
>
> I've decided to look at work, partnerships, business contracts and the
> like  this time around and so I'm leaning toward the bush veterinarian
> reading. RC's part is so tiny, but I think that as a Vietnam Bush Vet he
> maps onto other characters like Vato & Blood, Ortho Bob, Shorty. As a
> Vineland Farmer and ex-60's guy, possibly a Veterinarian who did some
> time in prison, he has changed his name (I appreciate your explanation
> for why how his name change relates to his service in Vietnam but I
> disagree with it).
>
> His name change is consistent with other business purpose name changes.
>
> What about BH? Why does he call himself BH? Is he the owner? Or the
> night manager? Or both?
>
> I realize that "Bush Vet"  (Bush Veterinarian)  is not as common in
> California as in other places, like Australia, and that you think you
> misread P's use of the phrase the first time through.
>