The View of Entropy in The Crying of Lot 49

In Thomas Pynchon's novel The Crying of Lot 49, the concept of entropy is intricately woven into the narrative through the experiences of the protagonist, Oedipa Maas. Entropy, in this context, can be defined as both a measure of the efficiency of a system in transmitting information and as a representation of disorder and chaos within the universe. As Oedipa embarks on her quest to untangle the complexities of Pierce’s will, Pynchon draws parallels to Maxwell’s demon, a thought experiment that challenges our understanding of thermodynamics and information theory.

Maxwell's Demon and Oedipa's Journey

Maxwell’s demon is a hypothetical entity that operates within a closed system, selectively allowing faster molecules to pass through a small opening between two compartments, A and B. By doing so, it seemingly contradicts the second law of thermodynamics, which states that entropy within a closed system tends to increase over time. In her essay “Maxwell’s Demon, Entropy, Information: The Crying of Lot 49,” Anne Mangel suggests that Pynchon utilizes this concept as a metaphor for Oedipa’s chaotic experiences. As she grapples with the loss of significant people in her life, Oedipa’s reflections underscore her struggle with the entropy of human relationships. She laments, “They are stripping away, one by one, my men...” (Pynchon 126). This loss signifies her inability to maintain order in her life, mirroring the chaos inherent in the concept of entropy.

Throughout the novel, Oedipa’s role as executor of Pierce’s will is symbolic of Maxwell’s demon’s task of sorting randomness. As she navigates the disordered landscape of California, she embodies the struggle against entropy, attempting to impose structure on the overwhelming chaos that surrounds her. The narrative reflects the journey of a character trying to make sense of the disorder, representing the futility of Maxwell’s demon's efforts to create order in a fundamentally chaotic universe.

The Entropy of Communication

Pynchon further illustrates the theme of entropy through the randomness and confusion present in language and communication. Oedipa encounters various acronyms—WASTE, DEATH, and NADA—each encapsulating the disarray of modern existence. These terms symbolize the disintegration of meaning within communication, as Oedipa grapples with the psychological effects of these words on the people around her. Mangel notes that, “the interesting aspects of the system...are the notion of sending information through signals and codes, and also the idea of noise and distortion.”

As Oedipa attempts to decipher the mystery of Trystero, she becomes increasingly aware of how noise alters the intended message. For instance, during a radio interview, Oedipa’s name is mispronounced as “Mrs. Edna Mosh,” highlighting how entropy can distort communication (Pynchon 139). Similarly, children playing a jump rope game misinterpret lyrics from Thurn and Taxis, further emphasizing the theme of linguistic entropy (Pynchon 96). These examples illustrate how language, much like molecules in Maxwell’s demon, is susceptible to random variations that can lead to misunderstandings and confusion.

The Paradox of Information Gathering

As Oedipa gathers more information, her confusion deepens, illustrating Pynchon’s argument that the accumulation of knowledge can paradoxically lead to greater disorder. In Tony Tanner’s analysis, he notes that Oedipa’s predicament transcends verification; she grapples with paranoia as she contemplates whether she has stumbled upon profound truths or if she is merely imagining conspiracies. Tanner writes, “Her problem is beyond verification or falsification” (Tanner). This statement encapsulates Oedipa’s existential crisis, as she oscillates between clarity and chaos, questioning the reality of her experiences.

The following table summarizes the key elements of entropy as depicted in The Crying of Lot 49:

Conclusion: The Inevitability of Entropy

In The Crying of Lot 49, Pynchon masterfully illustrates the concept of entropy through Oedipa Maas’s chaotic journey. Her attempts to navigate the complexities of communication and relationships reflect the broader themes of disorder and confusion that permeate modern society. Pynchon’s exploration of Maxwell’s demon serves as a poignant reminder of the limitations of our understanding in the face of an inherently chaotic universe. Ultimately, Oedipa’s journey reveals that despite her efforts to impose order, she is left with more questions than answers, reinforcing the idea that entropy is an unavoidable aspect of existence.

References

Pynchon, Thomas. The Crying of Lot 49. Harper & Row, 1966.

Mangel, Anne. “Maxwell’s Demon, Entropy, Information: The Crying of Lot 49.” In The Pynchon Connection. 2020.

Tanner, Tony. “The Crying of Lot 49.” Critical Essays on Thomas Pynchon. 1984.