VLVL2 (1-5): Summative Thoughts

[Tim Strzechowski]

Both NPPF and VLVL2 have tapered off somewhat, although I don't think the reads are in any danger of stopping.  Mike Weaver is scheduled to begin posting his VL research on Monday, which will focus on Chtp. 6 (pp. 68 - 91).

However, this might be a good time for those of us who are participating in either/both readings to step back and assess a few of the topics we've explored so far since mid-June.

In terms of VL:

1.  Overall, how comfortable are we with the WORK reading of the novel thus far?  Has this reading been sufficiently substantiated up to this point?  Is there another reading of the novel that we have missed, or not given enough attention to?

2.  Now that we have spent five chapters with Zoyd, who has seemingly been the protagonist/pov focus, we will now see him recede to the background.  What has been his purpose in the narrative thus far?  Tragic figure?  Pynchonesque schlemeil?  Comic relief?  Symbol of anachronistic Sixties counterculture?

3.  Are there any minor characters we've seen up to this point that deserve a bit more attention: Isaiah-24, Desmond, Van Meter, Hector Zuniga, RC and Moonpie, Vato and Blood, Millard and Blodwen, Sasha, Gretchen, Prairie?  Up to now, have any of these characters had a significant impact on events yet to come?  How?

4.  Can anything be said for the song lyrics (a staple of Pynchon fiction) in Chapter 5 (p. 63 and p. 66)?  How do they contribute to the narrative?  How do they compare with the brilliance and humor of the lyrics found in GR?

5.  What is your assessment thus far of Pynchon'e style in VL?  A few scattered posts have mentioned the stylistic differences between GR and VL, but can we pull some coherent arguments together?  Does it differ, and if so, how?  Do the stylistic differences reflect the differences in material?  How?

6.  What have we concluded in regards to Pynchon's use of pop-culture references in this novel?  Do they enhance the themes, or are they unnecessary to the narrative?

7.  Revisit that opening paragraph to Chapter 1 again.  Now that we've explored the first 5 chapters, is there anything significant about that paragraph in terms of what the novel will do in the next five chapters?

Just a few things to consider. 

Respectfully,

Tim


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