Chapter 18
- Please keep these annotations SPOILER-FREE by not revealing information from later pages in the novel.
Page numbers refer to editions with 369 pages, where the story begins on page 1. Not sure if there are other editions with variant pagination. Please let us know otherwise.
Page 315
bindlestiffs
Pynchon may just be using the word in with its basic literal meaning (hoboes), but it is also the name ("Bindlestiffs of the Blue A.C.") of a "club of ascensionaries from Oregon," referred to in Against the Day at page 18 and again at page 1083.
Page 316
Carl Yastrzemski
Carl Yastrzemski played for the Boston Red Sox from 1961-1983, and was at the peak of his career between 1967 and 1970, when he was among the most formidable hitters in professional baseball. Like Pynchon, he grew up on Long Island. He was generally admired as a hard-working, unpretentious player.
Page 318
Mike Curb
In addition to contributing the musical score for "The Big Bounce" and other movies, Mike Curb was the leader of The Mike Curb Congregation, a popular music group with a wholesome, all-American image. The group often appeared on the Glen Campbell Show. He was also a record-company executive and, later, a Republican politician who was elected Lieutenant Governor of California in the late '70s.
The Big Bounce
Is a film adaptation of an Elmore Leonard novel. The score is bouncy and peppy, and entirely out-of-place in the movie, and Doc's opinion regarding it is likely shared by many, if not most, viewers.
Page 322
your hour is at hand
In Matthew 26:45, Jesus wakes up his disciples and warns them that the "hour is at hand" (i.e., Jesus is about to be arrested).
Page 326
Dagwood and Mr. Dithers, Bugs and Yosemite Sam, Popeye and Bluto
These are all pairs of cartoon characters who are in conflict.
- Dagwood butts heads with his controlling boss Mr. Dithers in the comic strip Blondie.
- Bugs often has to hide from his nemesis Yosemite Sam in the TV cartoon Bugs Bunny.
- Popeye and the brute Bluto fight for the affection of Olive Oyl in the cartoon Popeye.
Page 329
'59 Cadillac hearse
| Chapter 1 pp. 1-18 |
Chapter 2 pp. 19-45 |
Chapter 3 pp. 46-49 |
Chapter 4 pp. 50-54 |
Chapter 5 pp. 55-67 |
| Chapter 6 pp. 68-88 |
Chapter 7 pp. 89-110 |
Chapter 8 pp. 111-123 |
Chapter 9 pp. 124-153 |
Chapter 10 pp. 154-162 |
| Chapter 11 pp. 163-185 |
Chapter 12 pp. 186-206 |
Chapter 13 pp. 207-234 |
Chapter 14 pp. 235-255 |
Chapter 15 pp. 256-274 |
| Chapter 16 pp. 275-295 |
Chapter 17 pp. 296-314 |
Chapter 18 pp. 315-342 |
Chapter 19 pp. 343-350 |
Chapter 20 pp. 351-363 |
| Chapter 21 pp. 364-369 |
