M & D and ATD, thematic homage, parallels, etc.

[Paul Mackin]

On Apr 25, 2007, at 11:25 AM, Keith wrote:

> This is quite an assumption about Pynchon which is impossible to  
> verify. There is no way to know whether Pynchon Edenizes or is  
> presnting Edenization from a neutral position or from a satiric/ 
> ironic position. When I look at his body of work I don't find much  
> to support the Edenization hypothesis.
>
> In my reading, when I read the words ending M&D and AtD, I didn't  
> for a minute think they were anything but sad and ironic.
>
> Pynchon doesn't reveal his hand. It's what I like about him.


You mean if you had your druthers you wouldn't really like to know if  
the baby is smiling or it's only gas.

Guess on due consideration I  wouldn't either.




>
> I read those endings the same way I viewed Woody Allen's ending to  
> Manhattan.
>
> On Apr 25, 2007, at 8:11 AM, Monte Davis wrote:
>
>
> Despite Guns, Germs and Steel, 1491, and other efforts, the  
> persistent weakness of the New World "contact" narrative is to Eden- 
> ize what we found.
>
> Pynchon is not exempt from this weakness.



the spoiled Eden  idea goes back to Rousseau or somebody doesn't it/