"Do one more."
* * * * * * * * * *
The audience always wants to see another piece. In 2006, Pynchon probably knew he could do a couple more and was eager to please. But it's 2026 now! Is Shadow Ticket destined to be Pynchon's last processed photograph as we stand eagerly by with our pockets empty of silver?
Merle's request to Roswell sounds oddly like an order. It's the abrupt nature of a shortened sentence ending in an officious and emotionless period. But it's also possibly true that Merle feels a bit of power over Roswell, even if Merle is the apprentice in this situation, because Merle has recently given Roswell his freedom back. Plus Roswell may very well be insane and possibly should have stayed in Newburgh. His name is Roswell, after all. Pynchon wants us to understand that he's part conspiracy. But the "bounce" maybe means he always comes, somewhat, back to reality. Sort of like processing a photograph. You have to enter the negative space before you can clearly see reality on the final plate.
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