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Answered Questions (4)

I tried to read V a long time ago. There is a scene in a NY jazz club. The narrator says two musicians were playing in "minor fifths". Anyone who has taken music lessons enough to know what the interval of a fifth is, knows there is no such thing as a minor fifth. Fifths are perfect or diminished. Were all the other factoids mixed into the story, that I took on faith, baloney as well?

Casey Glover If he mentions a minor fifth, it is either in (perhaps intentional) error, or he is referreing to a microtonal/non-Western scale. A minor fifth appearâ€¦m´Ç°ù±ðIf he mentions a minor fifth, it is either in (perhaps intentional) error, or he is referreing to a microtonal/non-Western scale. A minor fifth appears between two notes that are fixed on a piano, but not fixed on all instruments. The southeast Asian roots music known as gamelan uses such frequencies in tuned, metallic percussion instruments. The Beat writers (from which Pynchon spawned) famously were "searching for that note between C and C#." It may have been Kerouac who said this first. Subdividing systems such as the Western scale is a motif common in Pynchon.(less)

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For readers that have enjoyed V and Gravitys rainbow, would GR be easier if V is read first?

MoviesForYourBrain Yes; I say this because Pynchon's style is really love-it-or-hate-it, so I would read V. first in order to kind of see whether or not you like his styâ€¦m´Ç°ù±ðYes; I say this because Pynchon's style is really love-it-or-hate-it, so I would read V. first in order to kind of see whether or not you like his style or not. If so, then move on to Gravity's Rainbow. Happy reading, my friend!(less)

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I've gotten about 100 pages into V (on Chapter 3) and man, it is a slog. I see that Pynchon's style is love it or hate it. Is there any redeeming qualities to getting through 400+ more pages of this novel? Or should I cut my losses, and chalk it up to the fact that his style may not suit me?

John Singer I say keep reading! Chapter 3 "In which Stencil, a quick change artist..." was the only section I found somewhat dull and slightly Pynchon-like incompâ€¦m´Ç°ù±ðI say keep reading! Chapter 3 "In which Stencil, a quick change artist..." was the only section I found somewhat dull and slightly Pynchon-like incomprehensible. Other than that, it was entertaining and immersive. Following the exploits of Benny Profane and The Whole Sick Crew is one I will always cherish. (less)

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I've read Inherent Vice & I just finished Vineland. I'm wondering which of his books to read next?

W L V. or Crying of Lot 49. Crying of Lot 49 is the shorter of the two

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