16: In which Crest the savior is born (Gravity’s Rainbow Episodes 1.14-1.16)

16: In which Crest the savior is born (Gravity’s Rainbow Episodes 1.14-1.16)

From Pynchon Pals by Pynchon Pals

April 22, 2026 · 2h 46m · Episode 16

About this episode

The episode discusses Gravity’s Rainbow while highlighting themes of sadness and societal issues.

GR just keeps getting V .-ier and V .-ier. Luckily, there’s a funny scene about candy waiting for us on the other end. And hey, it’s our favorite couple Jessica and Roger! Oh dear, they look very sad… Next time, Gravity’s Rainbow Episodes 1.17-1.21, or pp. 139-180 in the U.S. Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition. Support the show and get access to monthly bonus episodes at patreon.com/pynchonpals and follow us @pynchonpals.bsky.social . Show Notes: “Kristen Lopez on FREAKS (1932),” via Turner Classic Movies “Tulipmania: A Garden Historian's Perspective,” via University of Oxford Content warnings: strong language, physical and sexual violence, racism, misogyny, xenophobia, genocide, ableism. --- Featuring Patrick Fiorilli, Andrew Tillett, and Duri Long. Produced and edited by Patrick Fiorilli ( www.patf.io and @patfio.bsky.social ). Our theme music is “Horology,” by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives license on the album Polygondwanaland .

People in this episode

Host: Patrick Fiorilli

Guests: Andrew Tillett, Duri Long

Topics covered

  • literature
  • analysis
  • cultural commentary
  • philosophy
  • social issues

Keywords

  • Gravity’s Rainbow
  • Pynchon
  • literary analysis
  • cultural commentary
  • social issues
  • FREAKS
  • Tulipmania

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Turner Classic Movies, University of Oxford, patreon.com

Products: Polygondwanaland

Books & works: Gravity’s Rainbow, FREAKS (1932)

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