First Couple-Three Pages: 6/11 - ATDTDA (11): 296 - 326 --The Deep Read:

[rich]

I think Pynchon's earlier works are suffused with paranoia, connections, a
supernatural force embodied by V., the rocket, or the trystero--there's all
this searching, going on to prove, expose the world's biggest plot. Pynchon
took that as far as he could to the point of questioning the search, or
proving its opposite--that there is no them, which can be looked on as even
worse.

there is a distinctive shift post GR (and probably explains the 17-yr
hiatus) towards more wordly systems, ones that are just as shady or hiding
in plain sight but lack that all-consuming plot--Reaganism, computers, the
Royal Society, Jesuits, Vibe and the robber barons, railroads.  if there is
a connective tissue b/w all these I would argue it's technology, explicitly
technology and its use and misuse. the earlier books of course task about
technology alot but it is overwhelmed by that overarching plot; the latter
books there are many plots but no penultimate one.

I don't think Pynchon could continue to write like he did w/ V. 49, and GR.
his prodding and anger are alot more focused and better targeted in the
latter books.

rich


On 6/14/07, Ray Easton <kraimie at kraimie.net> wrote:
>
>
> On Thursday, Jun 14, 2007, at 10:13 US/Central, rich wrote:
>
> > this is movement away from the heavy paranoia and dread of the earlier
> > novels (not totally absent mind you in AtD or M&D) but the vibe (hehe)
> > is surely more grounded.
> > I would argue this is a positive development for Pynchon as a writer.
>
> Please do so argue.
>
> Why would you describe this a "positive development for Pynchon as a
> writer"?  Does this just mean "I like it better" or do you intend
> something else?
>
> Ray
>
>
>
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