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The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon
Mar 28, 2022
Guests Professor Sarah Churchwell, Chair of Public Understanding of the Humanities, and Sam Leith, literary editor of the Spectator, discuss Thomas Pynchon's postmodern novel The Crying of Lot 49. They explore themes of uncertainty, resistance, and the power of language. The hosts also delve into Pynchon's elusive persona, his writing style, and the fascination surrounding his works. The novel's use of symbolism, humor, and its eerily accurate predictions about digital networks are also highlighted.
01:21:39
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Quick takeaways
- The novel explores themes of isolation, meaning-making, and the uncovering of hidden systems.
- The underlying seriousness of the novel shines through its clever wordplay and zaniness.
Deep dives
The Language of Metaphors
The novel opens with the protagonist, Edipa, discovering that she has been made the executrix of her ex-lover's estate. Through an extended metaphor comparing her life to a painting, the book explores themes of isolation, meaning-making, and the uncovering of hidden systems.
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Discover
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