chapter 10 - notes and questions 1

[Thomas Eckhardt]

Am 23.11.2013 17:33, schrieb Fiona Shnapple:

> But these family debates are not as simple as you suggest here,
> Thomas.

I am not trying to suggest anything here, mainly just attempting to 
clear the ground for interpretation (and now belatedly realise that Tim 
Ware's BE Wiki has already done this much better than I could have). I 
do not have enough time for a stab at interpretation myself right now.

> In fact, they are far more complex and subtle than than the
> "intellectual" one in GR. Every bit of the opera debate bleeds into
> the heart of Maxine's turning from her parent's generation, and her
> struggle with it, and its repercussions.

Hmm, it is true that I have not looked at the debate from that angle. I 
do not sense stronger than usual estrangement in the relationship 
between Maxine and her parents, and do not feel that Maxine is turning 
from her parents' generation. Just a normal discrepancy of views and a 
just as normal annoyance with the tics of one's parents.

Politicswise, Maxine's parents are old lefties, and she is what in the 
US is called a liberal, no? No burned bridges there, I believe. In any 
case, Maxine is not above turning to her old man for advice later on.

I haven't reread the passage. What in the text makes you think that 
Maxine has turned away from her parent's generation radically?

This is really very concentrated writing, all the more admirable because 
it seems easygoing enough on the surface. I get the impression that 
Pynchon shifts up a gear here and would love to have the time to go into 
it...

I hope to be able to add a few observations during the next days.

Thomas
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