How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Roseman tried to play footsie with her under the table. She was wearing boots, and couldn't feel much of anything. So, insulated, she decided not to make any fuss. (1.97)
Is sex always depicted as absurd in the novel? Why do all of the male characters come on to Oedipa? Why doesn't she make a fuss?
Quote #2
The face of the nymph was much like Oedipa's, which didn't startle her so much as a concealed blower system that kept the nymph's gauze chiton in constant agitation, revealing enormous vermilion-tipped breasts and long pink thighs at each flap. She was smiling a lipsticked and public smile, not quite a hooker's but nowhere near that of any nymph pining away with love either. (2.5)
Is this an exaggeration of the way that women are portrayed in society or is it accurate? What is the point of Pynchon's parody?
Quote #3
Oedipa picked up the nearest weapon, which happened to be the rabbit-ear antenna off the TV in the corner. "Oh," said Miles, "You hate me too." Eyes bright through his bangs. (2.10)
What is wrong with Miles? Why do all the men around Oedipa assume that she is interested?
Quote #4
Her climax and Metzger's, when it came, coincided with every light in the place, including the TV tube, suddenly going out, dead, black. (2.106)
What do you make of this comic and overdone sexual encounter? Does sex seem to give Oedipa a sense of release?
Quote #5
"That you wouldn't be easy." (2.110)
Why does Metzger tell Oedipa this? To what extent do you think he is actually interested in her, and to what extent was he simply trying to prove Inverarity wrong? Why does this make Oedipa cry?
Quote #6
Would then proceed at a KCUF record hop to look out again across the gleaming gym floor and there in one of the giant keyholes inscribed for a basketball see, groping her vertical backstroke a little awkward opposite any boy heels might make an inch taller than, a Sharon, Linda or Michele, seventeen and what is known as a hip one, whose velveted eyes ultimately, statistically would meet Mucho's and respond, and the thing would develop then groovy as it could when you found you couldn't get statutory rape really out of the back of your law-abiding head. (3.3)
What do you make of the fact that Oedipa can so graphically imagine how her husband takes advantage of underage girls? Why isn't she bothered by it? Why are all the men in the book obsessed with young girls? What is Pynchon parodying?
Quote #7
"Have sexual intercourse Maybe there'll be something about China tonight. I like to do it while they talk about Viet Nam, but China is best of all. You think about all those Chinese. Teeming. That profusion of life. It makes it sexier, right." (5.31)
What do you make of Nefastis's perversity? What is the link between sexual intercourse and the violence in Vietnam? Or China, for that matter?
Quote #8
"My big mistake was love. From this day I swear to stay off of love: hetero, homo, bi, dog or cat, car, every kind there is. I will found a society of isolates, dedicated to this purpose, and this sign, revealed by the same gasoline that almost destroyed me, will be its emblem." (5.71)
What is Inamorati Anonymous parodying? How did the IM founder decide that his mistake was love? Why is it ironic that he is the only man Oedipa can ultimately reach out to? And can you be addicted to love?
Quote #9
Despair came over her, as it will when nobody has any sexual relevance to you. (5.76)
Is there truth in this aphorism? Is there some sexism in how Pynchon imagines that Oedipa's mind works?
Quote #10
Metzger and Serge's chick had run off to Nevada, to get married. Serge, on close questioning, admitted the bit about the eight-year-old was so far only imaginary, but that he was hanging diligently around playgrounds and should have some news for them any day. (6.6)
Again: Why are all the men in the book obsessed with young girls? What has Serge learned from Metzger? Where does Pynchon suggest this tendency will lead?