Absolutely wonderful synopsis. I just recently read GR for my 4th time last year and it remains one of my most treasured books. Beyond my own love of it I agree with your sentiment that this has the potential of being a critically important book not just for literature, but humanity.
Anyways started to write this to say I’ve only dabbled here and there since I just finished rereading it when you started this, but just reading this concluding entry, some of your insight into the allegorical nature of certain characters and plot points I hadn’t even considered and totally blew me away. Very excited for whenever I feel ready for a full fifth dive in while reading this sub along with the book.
I’ve always considered GR to be Pynchon’s most pessimistic novel (with Mason & Dixon in my opinion being kindve the more positive antidote to its doom & gloom) but your point on the Counterforce not having their plot line resolved and overall your hopeful message gives me a new perspective.
I’m a retired bike messenger on disability at age 35. My dad was a bus driver as well as a life long autodidact, something he passed on to me. While I think everyone can read this book and really have it click if they put in a little work it’s a crime that we live in a society where instead they have to willingly destroy their bodies day in day out and the entrenched managers and professionals who are perhaps materially better off but miserable in their own way as their salary positions don’t let them enjoy or participate in life in any meaningful way.
Of course both groups as well the even more immiserated over exploited peoples of the third word are all being bled to death by a few informal intelligence networks made of of public officials and elite private citizens
Gravity's Rainbow is for sure a pessimistic novel. But it's like Gramsci's quote: pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will. It's pessimistic about our scenario and is revealing the worst aspects of society but still has that optimism that there is a chance for change.
Kill all the vampires is right. Them and the werewolves. Currently reading Luxemburg's Reform or Revolution and all that's been on my mind is how clear it is that no meaningful or lasting change will ever come via the reformation of the system we live under. Further steps must be taken.
Thanks for sharing your background btw. I'm glad to have real working-class people following along with this. Gravity's Rainbow is often read only by the degreed scholars and that is why I think it (and Pynchon in general) is so often interpreted incorrectly. This book needs to be placed in the hands of every working-class person. . .
THANK YOU! Just finished my first read with a few friends and can honestly say we have all used and thoroughly appreciated this guide as a part of our discussions. Solidarity and can't wait to dive into M&D .
Thank you! That's so cool that this was used as a part of a reading group. I always wonder how people use this analysis and this is one of my favorite anecdotes. Looking forward to having you along for M&D.
Absolutely wonderful synopsis. I just recently read GR for my 4th time last year and it remains one of my most treasured books. Beyond my own love of it I agree with your sentiment that this has the potential of being a critically important book not just for literature, but humanity.
Anyways started to write this to say I’ve only dabbled here and there since I just finished rereading it when you started this, but just reading this concluding entry, some of your insight into the allegorical nature of certain characters and plot points I hadn’t even considered and totally blew me away. Very excited for whenever I feel ready for a full fifth dive in while reading this sub along with the book.
I’ve always considered GR to be Pynchon’s most pessimistic novel (with Mason & Dixon in my opinion being kindve the more positive antidote to its doom & gloom) but your point on the Counterforce not having their plot line resolved and overall your hopeful message gives me a new perspective.
I’m a retired bike messenger on disability at age 35. My dad was a bus driver as well as a life long autodidact, something he passed on to me. While I think everyone can read this book and really have it click if they put in a little work it’s a crime that we live in a society where instead they have to willingly destroy their bodies day in day out and the entrenched managers and professionals who are perhaps materially better off but miserable in their own way as their salary positions don’t let them enjoy or participate in life in any meaningful way.
Of course both groups as well the even more immiserated over exploited peoples of the third word are all being bled to death by a few informal intelligence networks made of of public officials and elite private citizens
Kill all the vampires
Thank you!
Gravity's Rainbow is for sure a pessimistic novel. But it's like Gramsci's quote: pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will. It's pessimistic about our scenario and is revealing the worst aspects of society but still has that optimism that there is a chance for change.
Kill all the vampires is right. Them and the werewolves. Currently reading Luxemburg's Reform or Revolution and all that's been on my mind is how clear it is that no meaningful or lasting change will ever come via the reformation of the system we live under. Further steps must be taken.
Thanks for sharing your background btw. I'm glad to have real working-class people following along with this. Gravity's Rainbow is often read only by the degreed scholars and that is why I think it (and Pynchon in general) is so often interpreted incorrectly. This book needs to be placed in the hands of every working-class person. . .
Monumental accomplishment. Well done.
Thank you so much!
THANK YOU! Just finished my first read with a few friends and can honestly say we have all used and thoroughly appreciated this guide as a part of our discussions. Solidarity and can't wait to dive into M&D .
thank you thank you thank you
Thank you! That's so cool that this was used as a part of a reading group. I always wonder how people use this analysis and this is one of my favorite anecdotes. Looking forward to having you along for M&D.
I know you already have plans, but I would be very interested in any Vineland analysis. Just read it over this last week, it seems under appreciated.
I love Vineland. Probably his most underappreciated work (alongside Bleeding Edge imo). It's really phenomenal and yet so many say its his worst.
Sadly it won't be for a number of years, but I promise I will get around to Vineland eventually!