. . . moving from the minor mode it had been in throughout into the major, ending with a Picardy third cadence that, if it did not break Lew's heart exactly, did leave a fine crack that in time was to prove unmendable. . . .
* * * * * * * * * *
I've mentioned before that I know nothing about music or the language of music. I know saying something moves from the minor to the major communicates emotion to those who understand music (not to mention understanding what the heck a "Picardy third cadence" is!) but it means nothing to me. Which means I'm lucky that Pynchon concludes the statement by describing how the movement makes Lew feel.
"prove unmendable"
Nate sent Lew to this meeting expecting him to be hard and cold and to reinforce the idea that these Anarchists are monsters causing pain and destruction with no purpose or reason. Instead, Lew's heart is touched by their singing and their passion. As I figured, sending Lew to this meeting has backfired on Nate. Lew has found himself sympathetic to a cause which, prior to meeting Nate, he expressed having no interest or opinion on.
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