Upon reading the first 150 pages of this lengthy and multi-faceted novel, I have come upon a quick realization. At first, I was a little ashamed, feeling as if I was acting frivolous and shallow, but now I see a few pertinent reasons behind my discovery. I have discovered that my favorite parts of this novel thus far are the romantic scenes, preferably the ones with Roger and Jessica. This is not because I have a soft spot for relationships and bonding or because I like to read Pynchon's rather graphic descriptions of budoir activities, but rather because I feel like these scenes are the most telling to me. They are a little easier for me to read and they are absolutely full of interesting, poignant statements and symbolism.

For example, at the end of one of Roger and Jessica's romantic interludes, after a rocket has fallen nearby and they are very shaken up, Pynchon notes, "Death has come in the pantry door: stands watching them, iron and patient, with a look that says 'try to tickle me'.(61)" This quote is significant to me for a variety of reasons. The personification of Death in this passage makes it seems large and imposing as it lingers in the doorway overseeing the tentative and naive lovers. Death is wizened, mature, and powerful whereas they seem mere pawns in its wake. Also, this statement makes Roger's business, the military and scientific collection of facts and statistics to chart bombs and catch canine saliva, seem trite and utterly powerless in the face of Death. In this statement Pynchon seems to utter a warning to Roger, Jessica, and the other analytical fools that nothing that they can do can stop Death. This makes me see the helplessness of all the characters as they just wait for the next rocket to fall.

I also have one question for you all. I am very confused with the significance of Katje in the story so far. I understand that this is an encyclopedic novel and many characters will be waltzing in and out of the plot, but if anyone has any ideas, please help!