âVectors and [Eigen]Valuesâ: The Mathematics of Movement in Against the Day

Hanjo Berressem

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âVectors and [Eigen]Valuesâ: The Mathematics of Movement in Against the Day

In: Against the Grain

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Hanjo Berressem

Hanjo Berressem
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 349â368

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789042030732_020

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The essay traces one of Pynchonâs many mathematical references in Against the Day. The mathematical contexts are linear algebra and vector geometry, the specific reference is the term eigenvalue, an alloy of the German âeigenâ and the English âvalue.â Pynchon uses it in V. in reference to âpsychodontistâ Dudley Eigenvalue and his feeling of the loss of the continuity of history. In Against the Day, the reference is much more extended. In fact, it incorporates a fictional conversation about eigenvalues between Yashmeen Harcourt and David Hilbert, the German mathematician who originally coined the term in 1904. In that conversation, eigenvalues are said to function as the âspine of reality.â Along the term eigenvalue, as well as a number of other âeigenâ concepts, such as eigenvector, eigenfrequency and eigenorganization, the essay delineates Pynchonâs notion of a subject that is defined as a bundle of habits and frequenciesâor, in Pynchonâs terms, of âvibesââthat moves in a world defined as an infinitely complex and dynamic vector-space.

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Against the Grain

Reading Pynchonâs Counternarratives

Series:Â Dialogue, Volume: 8Â andÂ Dialogue Online, Volume: 8

E-Book ISBN:: 9789042030732

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 01 Jan 2010

Subjects
- American Studies
  - General

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âVectors and [Eigen]Valuesâ: The Mathematics of Movement in Against the Day

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Against the Grain

Reading Pynchonâs Counternarratives

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âVectors and [Eigen]Valuesâ: The Mathematics of Movement in Against the Day

Reading Pynchonâs Counternarratives