Thomas PynchonBy Kari Fowler

My Name is Thomas Pynchon

Thomas Ruggles Pynchon Jr. born May 8, 1937

One of three Children Oyster Bay High School-

“Student of the Year” Began writing short fictional

pieces and newspaper articles in high school

At sixteen he graduated with plans to study engineering physics at Cornell University

What Happens Next?

Dropped Cornell to serve in U.S Navy

1957- Pursues English degree

“The Small Rain” Fun fact: Growing

up he was reportedly spotted attending lectures given by Nabokov

Mr. Pynchon’s Early Career Life In 1962 was employed as a

technical writer in Boeing, Seattle Inspired by his background in

physics and technical journalism, he started writing Gravity’s Rainbow (published in 1973)

Novel is about the end of WWII, dispatch of V-2 rockets, and the search to uncover the details of the secret device called the "Schwarzgerät“

(Pulitzer Prize Winner)

The Crying Lot of 49

Published in 1966 Postmodern Fiction Book is about Women,

Oedipa Maas, and a conflict between two mail distributing companies

Pynchon’s Work

Pynchon’s themes consist of racism, imperialism, religion and culture

Best known for his short stories and the following works: The Crying Lot of 49, Gravity’s Rainbow, Vineland, Mason & Dixon, and Against the Day

Thomas Pynchon= 1984 Foreword by George Orwell

Don’t look at me!Thomas Pynchon Fun Facts

Hates media Rarely is spotted in

public First appearance one

The Simpsons, portraying himself

Avoided contact with journalists for more than forty years.

Mystery Man????

Any Questions?