Just got around to reading the chapter. I have this whole ritual of also consulting through the pynchonwiki for words on the page, then after reading the chapter going through a summary, then the illustraded book, then your analysis on it.
A thing I dwelled on here was Stephen Dodson-Truck being an eunuch, and then the historical role they played at the courts as consultants, since their inability to bear descendants prevented any interest in stealing the power and establishing their own dynasty/royal line.
I didn’t even think of that! That’s a really great point though. I was trying to put a finger in the purpose for his characterization like that but I think you nailed it.
Really cool! The flashback to Peter Sachsa's death in Berlin is one of my favourite passages in the whole book, so tense and powerful
Just got around to reading the chapter. I have this whole ritual of also consulting through the pynchonwiki for words on the page, then after reading the chapter going through a summary, then the illustraded book, then your analysis on it.
A thing I dwelled on here was Stephen Dodson-Truck being an eunuch, and then the historical role they played at the courts as consultants, since their inability to bear descendants prevented any interest in stealing the power and establishing their own dynasty/royal line.
I didn’t even think of that! That’s a really great point though. I was trying to put a finger in the purpose for his characterization like that but I think you nailed it.
I hope Katje hasn't left us forever, but "no point wasting smokes is there, with a war on..." is a helluva closeout!