Postmodern Self Reflexivity in Pynchon's The Crying of Lot 49

Abstract

This research paper deals with the self-reflexivity in Pynchon's novel The Crying of Lot 49 which represents the characters face alienation, degradation, decay and confusion. Oedipa, who starts to investigate the death of her ex-boyfriend becomes confused, alienated and revolves around mysteries rather than getting the final truth. How the protagonist in the modern American society does face the problem. She enters in the society where everyone is busy in their own work. She does not find any help from any one in city. She faces different troubles when she searches Varierity’s death. She sees that everyone likes the urban life. She is surrounded in difficult condition. The people whom she meet makes her more confuse, put her in trouble and make her realize that it is difficult to find the truth.The paper explores the consumer culture, materialistic American society, communal bonding, alienated life style, confused people and their sufferings.