'I remember something about he seemed to believe the name of the character Burns also somehow hiddenly signified the English verb for the promise of the consuming fire of the apocalypse.'
Begin: Page 651 (“Apparently some higher-up had sent Mary Esther Thode out on her little yellow Vespa…”)
End: Page 701 (“…the cartridge’s 50-point title is still trickling redly over the credits and frozen scene.”)
Start Date: 1/15/11
Finish Date: 1/21/11
Note Profile: 22 notes (265–286); #269 is a bear at 5 1/2 pages, but otherwise painless.
I feel like we are finally rounding the corner into the home stretch, we hardy band of few who are still standing. In the meantime it’s way too nice of a day in Oakland to be sitting here in front of the computer.
Also: Frank Burns eats worms.
I am continually perplexed by the Helen Steeply character, especially why the female disguise. Also, what s/he is ultimately up to. I keep thinking I’ve missed something, a footnote maybe? So many questions I am hoping DFW will answer. If he leaves us hanging on too many scores, I will be seriously traumatized.
Matty Pemulis . . .wow.
I’m still in the throes of the Lenz/Green saga, so this is backtracking a bit. But I am in awe of the character development here, especially how their individual childhoods have made them what they became. The whole macadamia nut/coiled gag snake/Christmas thing actually made me sad. Being sad in this novel has not been an easy thing. I haven’t actually felt much empathy for the characters thus far. In fact, now that I think about it, I don’t think I remember reading another novel whose characters I cared about less. Don’t get me wrong, I care about how this thing will end! So I need to catch up fast so I can find out before you in the front guard get there!
I really enjoyed the detailed, blow-by-blow depiction of the tennis by Wallace in this section. I truly could see the points unfolding in my mind’s eye as I read. Good Stuff! Also, much like in the TV series, “24” Wallace describes simultaneous events…Hal on the court jogging over to the fence, while 1200 meters east, Don Gately lay asleep in his sleeping mask, while Poor Tony Krause hunches forward in a bathroom stall, gaining a new perspective on time, while M.M. and J.G. finish up their P.M runs, while +++. Again, good stuff.
Marching with vigor again!
Saprogenic Greetings! and footnote #269 – what were the questions?
Still in it just a bit behind this week. Must say, the shift in finishing day has completely thrown me off as I’m a creature of habit. Looking for a big rebound next week and a strong surge to the finish.