Death in the Circuit, Life in the Word: Communication Theory as a Governing Metaphor in the Early Work of Thomas Pynchon

Abstract

I will consider a single aspect of the literature in great depth-specifically, his treatment of communication theory-finally resulting in a better understanding of the basic nature of Pynchon's literary objectives. I will proceed through the material chronologically though not comprehensively, beginning with the short story "Entropy," followed by an especially pertinent chapter ofV., and concluding with Gravity's Rainbow. To direct me in this, I will follow a very specific but influential strain in Pynchon's thematic and symbolic structures. As his style matures, becoming more subtle, the influence of this "chosen metaphor" becomes more diffuse, eventually coloring major aspects of the author's worldview, as well as his approach to his own work. I will in no way attempt to be allinclusive beyond what emerges naturally from my chosen theme, nor do I make any claims to a full and complete reading of any of Pynchon's novels, let alone his work as a whole. I believe any such effort is futile, not to mention counter-productive. The only truly adequate key to each novel is the novel itself. Even this thesis, conscientiously narrow as its focus is, puts an unnatural and static form around the written works which it considers. [From Introduction]