Reading Pynchon

[Paul Mackin]

You're not boring us, Mark.

I DO want to toss out what for me is a good way to read Pynchon.

For me, fiction isn't something to figure out.

This is notwithstanding the fact that Pynchon is a difficult writer and 
it is often necessary to go to the reference library in order to know 
what he is talking about.

No problem.

My solution ISN'T to degrade meaning, but rather to elevate the  meaning 
of meaning.

Instead of seeking meaning for the rational mind (which some p-listers 
seem to find necessary and others clunky) I would rather find meaning 
for the Soul.

Pynchon's greatest strength as a writer is his gift for stimulating the 
imagination. The originality of his words is often breathtaking.

This gives us pleasure on a conscious level--it also washes over our 
Unconscious, our Psyche, our Imagination, if you will, whatever you want 
to call that part of us beyond the rational, beyond time even.  James 
Hillman would probably call the process soul building.

This is the MEANING I want. (my soul needs help wherever it can get it)

P