Fw: that 'creeping fig' again and what Vineland has come to.

[Mark Kohut]

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Mark Kohut <markekohut at yahoo.com>
To: pynchon -l <pynchon-l at waste.org>
Sent: Monday, December 8, 2008 4:32:36 PM
Subject: that 'creeping fig' again and what Vineland has come to.


Ficus pumila ‘Sonny’
creeping fig
Creeping fig is an evergreen vine which attaches itself securely to wood or metal masonry, making a delicate tracery of small heart shaped leaves. This cultivar offers creamy white margins on the deep green foliage. In time the stems can cover a lot of territory. Cut it to the ground occasionally to keep in bounds. Can grow in sun or shade, but prefers cooler environments with regular water.
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In Pynchon's poetic symbology, plants, like trees, like wind and much else that is 'natural', is a positive association. 
 
The Vineland the Vikings found in northern North America could grow grapes for wine--in the 900s. It got colder--a negative association in Pynchon---since. 
 
Now, this fecund VINE, with "the small heart-shaped leaves"--reminds me of the "Wand'ring Heart" wood grain in the card table early in "Mason & Dixon"---cannot grow figs, only white margins and sometimes a small flower. 
 
And there is Heartsease in Against the Day.
 
(As mentioned, 'creeping fig' is not 'invasive' unless, like
Zoyd, the Dude, one neglects it.)
 
Zoyd neglects much. He is entropic, so to speak metaphorically. 
 
(He wakes from a dream before any "communication"-- and, either
he, or the TV studios, miscommunicate concerning his appearance. I'd bet on him.) 
 
Communication not happening----deep TRP theme, of course.
 
A massive falling-off. Degradation: One of Henry Adams' lesser-known works is The Degradation of the Democratic Ideal. Could
really apply to Vineland, no, as we are all going to encounter again?
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The dystopian satire is fiercely, albeit comically, ( almost)  total, I suggest. (By 'fierce' here I mean intense/pervasive, even when quietly so.)
 
Trees-- as per the hardcover cover. Now yuppified Logjam Bars. 
 
The 'food'. More degradation.
Zoyd's scam. 
Zoyd's relationship with his daughter. 
 
This land is ..............NOT the Vikings Vineland, not even close to Mason & Dixon's land........