Character Analysis of Oedipa
Oedipa as a character displays a multitude of traits. She has a deeply set disconnection with society offset by an overwhelming curiosity, a curiosity that leads her through an assortment of various social strata and locations. The development of the novel is driven by these two primary traits that she displays. Although there are many critics who question the relevance of Oedipa's name in the belief that it is Pynchon's way of reminding the reader that they are reading fiction, it is in fact a integral; part of the novella that reveals part of authors character design. Her naming conjures up images of a Greek hero or a Freudian interpretation, neither of which is correct, there is no great internal struggle, nor a great quest, just the execution of a will. The character of Oedipa is that of a woman in search of something just out of grasp, both internally and externally.
Cadmus Sowing the Dragon's teeth, by Maxfield Parr...
This image was first published in the 1 st (1876&n...
Pynchon depicted in The Simpsons episode "Diatribe...Oepida is a rather generic looking person. A middle aged northern California, complacent in the rhythms of suburban life. She could been used as a model for Botticelli (14 Crowork). She is heavy set, with large breast and an aged but pretty face, not beautiful but pretty. She probably sunbathed topless in private areas. Her outward dress is very suburban with a California style too it, a bit more edgy but still very conservative. Her eyes are a light color maybe hazel or perhaps a faint blue or grey. Her hair is beginning to change color and grey with age. She is Caucasian with well tanned skin.
Pynchon's Naming is really only significant in that it illustrates how unimportant his names really are. This is glaringly apparent in "The calling of lot 49". Note that the name Maas can also be pronounced "My ass"...