Pynchon's "The Crying of Lot 49"

            Now being 79 pages into “The Crying of Lot 49” I feel as if I should have more of a grip about the plot. I am still completely and utterly confused as to what is happening, and I have even had to consult SparkNotes for clarification. I did not read the SparkNotes until after I read each chapter, but I am glad I did because it has helped me understand a tad bit better. I have a grip on the idea of a conspiracy that Oedipa must figure out, but I honestly do not understand what this conspiracy is all about.

            Regardless, I really hope further reading gives me a clearer understanding of this conspiracy because I enjoy examples of conspiracy. I remember learning in History classes about conspiracies surrounding assassinations such as JFK’s and being very interested in the whole idea. I really want to give this book a try because I would like to get into the mystery of it.

            One aspect I would really like to highlight though is the subtle uses of popular culture that I have recognized. Pynchon frequently brings different verses of songs into the novel, which I feel is significant because of the time period. The 1960s was a time of widespread revolution, and music was one of the ways to publicize that revolution. Music was very popular during this time and I think Pynchon deliberately placed these musical references in to play up the time period more. At one point, the music even is used in the workplace. “The routine business took an hour; for another hour the shareholders and proxies and company officers held a Yoyodyne songfest,” shows that the plant uses music to bring people together. The idea of music bringing people together was very popular in the 60s, and is evident in music festivals such as Woodstock.

            Another quote that I particularly enjoyed was when Oedipa was trying to work out the Wells, Fargo incident in her head. She says “A cross? Or the initial T?” and I liked this quote because I personally thought it showed her becoming a detective of sorts. At this point, she has realized there is a conspiracy to figure out and has already started overlooking the face value of a “sign.”

Vocabulary:

Oblong: deviating from a square, circular, or spherical form by elongation in one dimension

            “…handing her an oblong magnifying glass.” Page 77

Philatelist: a specialist in philately : one who collects or studies stamps

            “…who is the most eminent philatelist in the L.A. area.” Page 75

Adversaries: one that contends with, opposes, or resists

            “He did, but not about their dark adversaries.” Page 74