I'm currently reading Gravity's Rainbow and having a horribly difficult - though occasionally exciting - time following the story. I sought some assistance and all I can find are recommendations to read up on rocketry, Parapsychology, Pavlovian Psychology, Calvinistic predestination, etc.; to takes notes on the 400+ characters in order to track their relationships; or to pick up the 700 page companion piece in order to help with the plethora of references. It seems as if the only people who could enjoy/understand this book are the literary connoisseurs who respect it's place in history and are willing to take the time to dissect Pynchon's dense prose.
What role do you think this type of writing has in both art and literature? What is the point if so few can actually comprehend the story?
RodionRask8 karma
I'm currently reading Gravity's Rainbow and having a horribly difficult - though occasionally exciting - time following the story. I sought some assistance and all I can find are recommendations to read up on rocketry, Parapsychology, Pavlovian Psychology, Calvinistic predestination, etc.; to takes notes on the 400+ characters in order to track their relationships; or to pick up the 700 page companion piece in order to help with the plethora of references. It seems as if the only people who could enjoy/understand this book are the literary connoisseurs who respect it's place in history and are willing to take the time to dissect Pynchon's dense prose.
What role do you think this type of writing has in both art and literature? What is the point if so few can actually comprehend the story?
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