Paranoid Detection: The Absurd Quest in Inherent Vice

Abstract

Little discussion exists regarding the relationship between paranoia, anti-paranoia and the Absurd, and the combined influence they have on Thomas Pynchon’s central characters. This thesis will seek to illuminate to what extent Pynchon instils paranoia within the absurd reality imposed upon the central character in Inherent Vice during his quest. The thesis will begin by discussing the relationship between paranoia, anti-paranoia and the Absurd, followed by the Absurd quest prevalent in Pynchon’s fiction. Then Humour of the Absurd, or Black Humour, central to Pynchon is described. The Absurd quality of the California setting will be elaborated upon next. Finally, the Absurd quest itself is traced extensively throughout Inherent Vice by following its main character, Larry ‘Doc’ Sportello. Along his quest, analysis shows that Doc rarely becomes aware of the absurd, and that his paranoid conviction supplies the pretense of meaning sought after in Absurdist reality, in a similar fashion to how anti-paranoia has been rejected by a number of Pynchon’s previous characters.