The Crying of Lot 49 Chapters 1-2
The Crying of Lot 49 certainly gives the first impression of being completely distinct from the other novels/plays we have read throughout this course. Right now, the most feasible source of mystery would be the details of Pierce's will, but it is too soon to definitely state where the mystery in this novel is taking us.
Similar to the other novels we have read in this class, gender roles are highly prominent, almost to the point of being improperly provocative and salacious. Oedipa is our protagonist, and interestingly the only major female character in the novel so far. Sexual innuendos are present through her interactions with others, such as Dr. Hilarious's dismay that Oedipa was "not hooked"(18) on him and Roseman, who "tried to play footsie with her under the table"(45). These details make the reader wonder what are the true motives of these men; are they truly just doing their jobs or are they trying to charm Oedipa for themselves? Furthermore, with the more overt sexual advances from Miles, the kid with the "smooth young body"(28) who desired Oedipa and Metzger (pretty obvious what his sexual desires are, am I right?), it becomes clear how sex is the universal connection that Pynchon uses to develop the plot of this novel. The entire premise of this novel is the will of her ex-boyfriend, and every other man she meets/endures advances from propels the story forward and aids her in her duty to execute Pierce's will. It is interesting how she has a very broad range of responses, from ignoring it completely in the case of the footsies to actively drawing a TV antennae as a weapon against Miles. Again, it is too early to tell, but maybe her differential responses signal some of her own mercurial and paranoid nature, which is being built up throughout the reading. All we can do is wait and see how her (sexual) escapades further develop the mystery in this novel.
I too noticed how sexually motivated this book is! I wonder how this will all tie into a mystery, if it does even. I also love that Oedipa has no problem expressing her sexuality! Nice post!
ReplyDeleteLike you said, the only part I connected to the idea of a mystery is the part involving Pierce's will. I like how you brought up gender roles in this book. In some of the stories we have read, the books negatively portrayed women if they were promiscuous. This book does not seem to condemn or praise Oedipa for her actions. I wonder if this book will comment more on gender roles or about sexuality in general and how that can affect men and women.
ReplyDeleteI like how you mention that sex is the universal thing in the story that propels it forward--I think this is what made the book much more interesting to me. I too agree that the mystery lies in Pierce's will though I am excited to see what else the author will bring out.
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