"Oedipa Maas"

Paper Summary:

This paper takes a look at book "The Crying of Lot 49", by Thomas Pynchon, and specifically at his character Oedipa Maas. The writer believes Oedipa's function in the novel is far more complex than any one single aspect and reviews the novel in stages in an effort to understand her meaning and the intentions of the author in writing this piece. The paper offers a substantial review of the progression of the character from her real life to the fantasy life in the story.

From the Paper:

"The woman who awaits "the crying of lot 49" at the novel's end is very different from the woman who returned from a Tupperware party absently fretting about the amount of kirsch in the fondue (152). The quest is suddenly thrust upon this "mildly neurotic housewife" and her sanity "is further imperiled" with her appointment as executor of Pierce Inverarity's will (Cowart 23). It is a job that Oedipa undertakes with some trepidation because she is aware of the complexity of her former lover's affairs. Even more significantly, however, Oedipa is familiar with his love of mystification and is apprehensive about his intentions."

More papers on "Oedipa Maas":

• Analytical Essay # 25384 : "Oedipa Maas"
• Analytical Essay # 24538 : "Literary Purpose Of Oedipa Maas In " The Crying Of Lot 49"
• Analytical Essay # 20287 : "Crying of Lot 49" by Thomas Pynchon"

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