AtDTDA: (14) Pgs 374-397: Tales of Power

[mikebailey at speakeasy.net]

robinlandseadel made a variety of good points

the one I want to respond to is
> 
> This notion of power---the power not to be afraid---echos Mucho Maas' notion
> that the power of life and death "The Man" holds over us can be dissolved
> in these sorts of visionary [one might say "Gnostic'] experiences. I really
> think Our Beloved Author celebrates the psychedelic experience in this 
> section.

yes, that's a good point.  
One might say that taking place in the desert
with Native American guides and while both "on the
run" and "in pursuit",
the "tripping" action fits the context (though
in mundane, non-fictional life, tripping is 
still a controversial activity bound about with
legal strictures and moralizing)...
made easier to see against a compatible background
(against the light of a different day)


somewhat like the strangeness of the child bordello
is a background for contemplating teen and sub-teen
libidos, and those of adults drawn to teen and sub-teen
sex objects...

I don't think Pynchon is "celebrating" this drive,
but placing it within a context where it is
accepted as natural...

Unlike the scene where Foley Walker admits
and somewhat legitimizes male-male love, the
commentary that lingers over the scene is
Lindsay's shocked outrage.  
Only a tactful silence emanates from Chick and Darby
as to the nature and extent of their activities while
waiting for the "runner" to notify the "Doctuhv")