Re: re Re: NP? somebody has to say it

I actually think that the depiction of George Washington in _M&D_ is quite a
positive one: he's reasonable, good-humoured, intelligent, and a very
gracious host who is sensitive to the feelings of his guests; he's quite
benevolent and progressive, in his attitudes towards slavery and pot, for
example; and the scene on the porch where he, Gershom, and Martha entertain
the boys is quite charming. Back in that earlier chapter we see that Gershom
is given the run of the house and facilities, and that he is treated as an
equal both in the general household routine and in discourse. George never
tells him to "shut his fucking mouth" or calls him a "drool-flecked baboon",
for example, which *would* be pretty reprehensible of him, wouldn't it just.

In Ch. 58 we discover that Gershom has been emancipated, or at least we are
being reminded that he is allowed to roam free around the town (we found out
earlier that he goes on tour with his comic impressions and King-Joaks I
think); and as well as regarding and treating his "Titable" as a friend,
George is pretty affable and protective towards Mason also, especially
considering the temper of the times.

I don't think there was anything particularly scathing in the brief
portrayal of Tho. Jefferson either, but Ben Franklin's presence has been
more malevolent, I agree, and even when his name is mentioned there seems to
be a negative edge.

best


on 21/6/02 11:17 AM, Doug Millison at [email protected] wrote:

> How much "respect" does Pynchon show the future Pres. Geo. Washington in
> M&D?  That novel comes down pretty hard on the Founding Fathers in general
> (Franklin gets the treatment, too)