America and Oedipus: One in the Same

In dealing with modern culture in the 21^st century, one can apply almost all of the basic themes and motifs of Thomas Pynchon’s The Crying of Lot 49 to everyday life. However, when put into the context of the time period in which it was written (mid-1960s America), it is impossible not to relate it to the most dominating event of the time: the Vietnam War. In this we find the reason why this novel relates to our course; not only is it an obvious study of rhetoric, but its themes of chaos foiled by parallel themes of isolation mirror many of the feelings of America during times of war.

From a historical context, The Crying of Lot 49 was written during the Vietnam War era. Due to the social involvement of majority of Americans in the war, much of Pynchon’s satire is assumed to be directed towards America’s involvement in Vietnam. This is seen through the theme of Oedipa’s growing confusion; even though the answer to the mystery of the Trispero is supposed to become more clear as the novel progresses, instead it becomes more unclear. This is very symbolic of America’s involvement in Vietnam: it was supposed to get easier throughout the years yet it became “unwinnable.”

Another symbolic theme of the novel that can be related to America as a figure in the Vietnam War is Oedipus’ developing isolation. The reader would assume that because she is meeting an abundance of new people, she would become more socially connected with various groups. Rather, she finds herself forming meaningless and dysfunctional relationships with random characters, such as with Metzger and the members of The Paranoids, as well as losing her close relationships, such as with her husband. This is similar to what America’s international relations looked like during the 1960s and 70s: random allies with countries like New Zealand and a loss of “friendship” with the enemy countries. Throughout the years of the war, America found herself increasingly isolated as even her own citizens came to hate her, all the while becoming more lost and confused, much like Oedipus.