The Crying of Lot 49

The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon is a great example of the times. Released in the 1960’s, Pynchon dabbles in various stereotypes and customs that were seen during this turbulent era. By simply examining the characters you can see some of the stereotypes Pynchon wanted revealed in his writing.

First we examine the main character Oedipa Maas. Oedipa is first revealed to the reader as this humble and wonderful wife to her husband Mucho. Going to Tupperware and staying true to her husband were some of her highest morals… or at least we thought. Once Oedipa gets word of her inheritance and leaves town (and her husband), she becomes untamed and commits infidelity. She exemplifies a life style of free will autonomy that not very any women at this time could have even imagined.

Another characterization theme Pynchon used to show the time was the use of The Paranoids. This music group Oedipa meets at the hotel she stays at demonstrates how music was during this era and how important it was as well. While minor, they are used to show how popular music was to many in this generation.

The Crying of Lot 49 is a radical novel filled with many righteous and far out elements from the 1960’s (I hope I sounded like a hippie). The novel is filled with many satirical elements like Dr. Hilarious who happened to be a drug addicted man trying to kill his patients. Needles to say, this book has many things you will not see from other writers. Pynchon is unique and shows it as he writes this mystery based in the 1960’s.