Pynchon's novels are so packed with details and references that there is no lack of things to talk about. It may be that younger students, raised on the cascade of associations poured out by such popular entertainers as Jonathan Winters, Robin Williams, and Dennis Miller, will be better able to understand Pynchon's approach to his subject and his technique than their teachers. But the teachers will be better able to identify and explain Pynchon's historical and literary allusions. Thus the best kind of discussion may take place, one in which everyone learns from everyone else. Here are some possible starting points: 1. Who do you think V. is? What is her function in the novel?

2. Have one member of the group research in detail one of the historical events Pynchon describes, such as the Suez crisis or the slaughter of the Hereros. How accurate is Pynchon's account...