Skip to content

Around the corner Quote by Thomas Pynchon

“Why here? Why should the rainbow edges of what is almost on him be rippling most intense here in this amply coded room? say why should walking in here be almost the same as entering the Forbidden itself—here are the same long rooms, rooms of old paralysis and evil distillery, of condensations and…” quote by Thomas Pynchon
Download Open image
““Why here? Why should the rainbow edges of what is almost on him be rippling most intense here in this amply coded room? say why should walking in here be almost the same as entering the Forbidden itself—here are the same long rooms, rooms of old paralysis and evil distillery, of condensations and residues you are afraid to smell from forgotten corruptions, rooms full of upright gray-feathered statues with wings spread, indistinct faces in dust—rooms full of dust that will cloud the shapes of inhabitants around the corners or deeper inside, that will settle on their black formal lapels, that will soften to sugar the white faces, white shirt fronts, gems and gowns, white hands that move too quickly to be seen…what game do They deal? What passes are these, so blurred, so old and perfect? “Fuck you,” whispers Slothrop. It’s the only spell he knows, and a pretty good all-purpose one at that. His whisper is baffled by the thousands of tiny rococo surfaces. Maybe he’ll sneak in tonight—no not at night—but sometime, with a bucket and brush, paint FUCK YOU in a balloon coming out of the mouth of one of those little pink shepherdresses there…””

Thomas Pynchon

About This Quote

Source Novel: Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon, 1973

The passage describes a surreal, oppressive environment that blurs reality and imagination, reflecting existential dread and rebellion against oppressive systems.

In simple terms: A bizarre, oppressive setting fuels rebellion.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and confront oppressive absurdities.

Themes

existential dread rebellion surrealism oppression perception

Mood

uneasy defiant disorienting

Type

literary philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • navigating bureaucratic labyrinths
  • artistic expression
  • psychological self‑defense
  • creative protest

Key Concepts

postmodernism absurdity psychological tension

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does absurdity reveal truth?
  • What role does rebellion play in oppressive spaces?
A Different Perspective

The chaotic imagery may obscure clear meaning, making interpretation difficult.

4.9 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Thomas Pynchon

Explore all 483 Thomas Pynchon quotes

More Around the corner quotes

Browse all 569 Around the corner quotes