IVIV20: They both knew, 356-359

[alice wellintown]

We should consider the possibility. As this advice should be applied
to a great deal of what Larry/Doc constructs, as well as what is
constructed by other competing narratives in IV, we can say with
confidence that most if not all of the narrative is compromised or
encumbered by a narrative perspective that is either unreliable
because it is tripping or otherwise intoxicated with drugs, although
these narrative trips paradoxically afford insights not available to
what would seem a more reliable (sober) perspective, or is undermined
or at least rendered only a possibility by competing narratives and
the consistent use of subjunctive ambiguities.

> I think we should consider that the Preserved doesn't exist outside of Doc's
> construction of it (ie "during the acid trip ..." etc, 356). Yes, there is
> the archeological account, courtesy of Sauncho, that speaks of beginnings
> and emergence on 90-93; but what we have subsequently is Doc insisting that
> he sees the Preserved, denying the makeover (reversing the process with
> Lew/Kareem). It is a going back. On 340: "... it's real name".
>
> The dream on 340-341 ends thus: "Doc wanted to believe that Coy, Hope and
> Amethyst were somehow on board ..." etc. And then Doc and Sauncho "bicker
> about it" (341). Sauncho the lawyer has a thing about facts.