VLVL2 (10) Realists and dreamers, 198

[Bandwraith at aol.com]

 >
> > Does that mean that Ditzah is only playing at being sick? If so,
> > does her current solvency and her job, whatever that may be,
> > mean that she is no longer playing at being sick? Is she more or
> > less ill than Frenesi? Is there a cure for this illness of "the 60s
> > crew"? Should they be forced to undergo treatment, or, just allowed
> > to continue in their "ippy bum" ways and watched closely for any
> > signs of their ailment spreading to the majority of Americans?

In a message dated 1/2/04 12:32:39 PM, lycidas2 at earthlink.net writes:

<< Are the Thanatoids sick? Why are the Thanatoids (not all the Thanatoids
are men or Vietnam Veterans) in such a state? Why do Takeshi and DL
offer treatment to the Thanatoids? What is the treatment or what is KA?
Does it do any good? Any harm? Takeshi gives Vato and Blood drugs to
keep the awake. The Thanatoids do manage to get some sleep at the end
and awaken to the sound of music. Can't recall, is it Meatloaf?
 >>

The illness theme is interesting and to my mind important (I will
try to get back to it and to your questions later, little busy at the 
moment), not least of which is the use of "illness" as a form 
of control and enforced dependence, aka, as used against Zoyd. 
It dovetails with some of the feminist issues in the novel, which 
are also simmering on the back burner.

In the mean time, keep on keeping on, and be sure to eat an apple-
keep some of those Jewish doctors at bay... ; )

respectfully