V.,wherefore such silence? Whither goest thou?

[Mark Kohut]

Fausto's transformations part of his pact (with the devil)?

Stencil pursuing History's transformations changingly.

Mondaugen shows the transformation of the scientif enterprise in
Western history. 

V. is the fountainhead of Western history leading to ..............
the most unforgettable scene in V...[therefore the most meaningful?]


----- Original Message ----
From: Michael Bailey <michael.lee.bailey at gmail.com>
To: P-list <pynchon-l at waste.org>
Sent: Sun, December 5, 2010 11:37:19 AM
Subject: Re: V.,wherefore such silence? Whither goest thou?

Mark Kohut  wrote:
>

I thought my response to Laura's post would spark at least one reply.

(as Steve, of Steve and Steve, 2 more of the Crew at the AT&T document
library in 1981 along with Vicky and me, once said:
it's embarrassing to sing out, "Ba- ba- ba-, ba-ba-ba-Ran, and not
have anybody else join in...)

but to continue more briefly

a) I was trying to absorb her argument about the 4 faces of Fausto
into the notion of history as either step-function or sinuous snake

b) But to look at transformation qua transformation:
what other transformations are mentioned in the book?

V.'s transformations occur between snapshots, so to speak.
But certainly she changes drastically.

Stencil's 2 transformations are from "one who enjoyed the pleasures of
sleep" to diplomat/spy, and from that to a quester after V.

Mondaugen finds the area of scientific inquiry that he wants to stake
out, already occupied by fascism, and apparently grows used to it,
settling for a life in the armaments trade.  This may be the saddest
change, simply because his potential is so much greater.

c) re: public life, a prominent idea in V. is decadence.
A decadence in society makes personal progress problematic.
Benny seems rather determined not to transform into anything.
Under the circumstances, not the worst decision.

V.'s demise: probably the most emotional moment in the book.

Fausto the adult watching children;
Fausto who could rescue her, not stepping in
(what is his obligation toward someone he doesn't like?)
Fausto the would-be priest finally moved to offer final comforts

there's something mise-en-sceneish about it...

Stencil watching the WSC, not really getting involved
Mondaugen watching the decadence at Foppl's, not taking a stand
Benny thinking that identifying himself as a schlemiel will exempt him
from taking a stand or making a sincere effort...



-- 
"Three things in life are important. The first is to be kind.  The
second is to be kind.  And the third is to be kind." - Henry James