Pynchon's reply

[Dave Monroe]

On Mon, May 18, 2009 at 4:28 AM, Rob Jackson <jbor at bigpond.com> wrote:

> ... the amusing sign-off contrasting "silence" with "English" ...

"Heretofore, the naming of names has gone on either literally or as
metaphor. But now, as the Duke gives his fatal command, a new mode of
expression takes over. It can only be called a kind of ritual
reluctance. Certain things, it is made clear, will not be spoken
aloud; certain events will not be shown on stage." --Lot 49, pp. 49-50