Lot 49 (pt. II): Group 1

[Posted by JOHN and ELIZABETH]

Oedipa becomes increasingly obsessed with the image of the muted post horn as the story goes on. In her pursuit of learning more about it, both Oedipa, herself and readers are forced to decide whether or not the reoccurrence of this image is meaningful or just coincidence. In the reading of this text, are random occurrences and instances of chance intended to be found meaningful? Do you think the anticlimactic ending of the novel supports or opposes this type of meaning-seeking approach?

Lot 49 (pt. II): Group 2

[Posted by: NICOLE & RACHEL]

Through Oedipa's fascination with the plays and Metzger's job as an actor, along with her own dreams, she seems to have a desire to live in a fantasy world. And yet, despite that fascination, she still seems to want a certain amount of control over her imaginary world. How do these two desires contrast each other and how does it apply to the IA's involvement with love? When Oedipa is talking with Arnold Snarb, he explains being a member of the IA as isolates from love. Do you think Oedipa's ability to live in a fantasy world allows her to be isolate from love? Do you think she would want to be isolate?

Lot 49 (pt. II): Group 3

[Posted by JESS and JORDAN]

What passages, scenes, and/ or literary elements foreshadow that Oedipa will fall into looking into the conspiracy?

The Crying of Lot 49: Group 2

[Posted by LIN]


How do jobs play into the psyche of the characters? I have noticed that character's professions or former professions are often brought up. Oedipa becomes a co-executor of Pierce's company even though she'd rather not. Mucho is discontent with his job and Metzger brings up his past as an actor. Why are their professions so frequently brought up? Does it say anything about their mental state?

The Crying of Lot 49: Group 1

[Posted by ABBY and TAYLOR]

How does Pynchon use language to blur the lines between real experiences and hallucinations?  Does the reader know less than Oedipa or is she just as lost?  What do these objective accounts of subjective points of view suggest about the nature of reality?

The Crying of Lot 49: Group 3

[Posted by SAVANNAH and MIKAYLA]

Do you think the names in the novel have any significance? Do they provide any significant symbolic meaning for the characters and places they represent or are they simply employed by Pynchon as a means of comedic word play? You may want to consider Oedipa Maas, Mucho Maas, San Narciso, Dr. Hilarius, Mike Fallopian, Pierce Inverarity, and Metzger.

Nadja: Group 3

[Posted by MELISSA]

Do you think that Nadja helped the narrator answer the question "Who am I"? Why or why not? If you answered yes, how do Nadja's drawings assist him in this discovery?

Nadja: Group 2

[Posted by NATHAN]

Why is Breton so fascinated with Nadja, and how is this different from the way that others perceive her? Does her insanity affect her negatively or does it provide new insight and a different perspective on life?

Nadja: Group 1

[Posted by CONOR]


In class we discussed briefly about the obscure images that appear often throughout the book, "Nadja". My question is whether you felt the pictures either aided you in understanding the context of the story, or did it just cause you more confusion?