Review on Mason and Dixon chapter 35 by thomas pynchon - Essay Example

Mason and Dixon Chapter 35 The novel “Mason and Dixon” by Thomas Pynchon narrates of two surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon of whom the boundary line the Mason-Dixon Line is named. The line separates the state of Pennsylvania from Maryland State. Pynchon writes on the development of contemporary America as well the pre-revolutionary period of the mid 1700s. Chapter 35 covers the amusing experiences with pre-revolutionary Americans in heartfelt narration about real estate. It shifts away from the narrative of Mason and Dixon.

It discusses the peculiar variety of religious lunatics, swindlers and clowns among others whom constituent the colonial America. Reverend Cherrycoke to his twin nephews Pitt and pliney alternatively referred to as the elder, or the Younger throughout the book narrates the tale. The narrative approach dramatically changes from the story to the room where the narrative is being told. It requires a person to be extra careful or else they will be lost in time.The chapter reintroduces Reverend Cherrycoke and introduces the Redzinger family, the gambler Mr.

Edgwise as well as the outstanding Armand and his Duck (350). It discusses the history and Christ likening the two to the fate of no man with only the destination of every expedition as the universal factor. Cherrycoke reveals there is a machine, which triggers all history in some part, leaving people in times where they cannot live and remain sane where history disappears. Cherrycoke observations in Christ and history can be thought as a straight denunciation of the Puritan and subsequently, American principle of the theory of Exceptionalism.

This theory is of the opinion that America is different from other nations, it has a sacred history and events, and that it is the chosen country. It argues that America’s cities and hidden valleys are of one true god who is always on the American side saving the faithfulness America. America and Americans will suffer to be one, later in time in a reunion with their creator as a reward for the sacrifices and hard work for its priceless dedication as well as devotion. To the puritans what is stated to be a fact remains so but to the younger generations in the form of Ethelmer, the Reverend as well as Pynchon this does not hold water (361).

The book requires maximum concentration for one to acknowledge the early history and culture. It requires slow and keen reading more so in chapter 35, where the themes require attention to identify, as they are not straightforward. This is critical in the understanding of the excerpt of Christ and history (356). The promise of America within the novel mason and Dixon as well as in the Excerpt of history and Christ with all the challenges and complication along the way is still locatable among the margins of the fractured society.

The book defines the American cultural as well as psychological scenery as shown by her dwellers that were gathered from worldwide, form their own nest, and achieve individual redemption. Aware of the denied and lost dream Pynchon discusses that t little matters of death can never destroy the dream, a myth of promise on such an immense magnitude (364). He argues that the dream will continue over time as long as leaders do not accumulate the myths of American history. He thinks that America is there to stay and that it is not disappearing soon.

Pynchon is pivotal in this chapter in the way he intervenes in explaining theories as well as his characters. This is evidenced when he establishes some of his characters such as the clowns. The book is more on his opinions that those traits exhibited by his characters. Nevertheless, this excellent and detailed reading can be vital for anybody interested in the events of colonial America.Work CitedPynchon, Thomas. Mason & Dixon. New York: Picador, 2004. Print