Thomas Pynchon: Difference between revisions

At this point we should probably say a word on the topic of [[Paranoia]]. Paranoia is the fuel Pynchon's novels run on, and is likely his most recognizable thematic obsession. Characters become convinced that their actions are being manipulated (and is usually confirmed, then denied, then confirmed again, leaving the audience in the dark about what exactly to believe), shadowy cabals are hinted at (but almost never confirmed) and the constant, sinking fatalism that our destruction is ensured, sooner or later, but only at Their convenience. Pynchon often explores [[Conspiracy Theories]] as a form of social narrative and folklore, and as a rigid interpretive framework, frequently contrasted with other frameworks (Calvinism and Marxism are common). This shows especially in ''The Crying of Lot 49'', which involves a character trying to make sense of various signs and symbols she sees around her (as well as a band called The Paranoids), and ''Gravity's Rainbow'', in which even the ''narrator himself'' seems to have the novel escape from under him as he struggles to find some way to interpret the events. [[Useful Notes/Political Ideologies|Anarchism]] sometimes shows up as well, most notably in ''Against the Day'', although [[Your Mileage May Vary|a case could be made]] that it is present in nearly all of his works due to the strong distrust of hierarchical authority implied by their plots.