The Crying of Lot 49...Chapter 6

Towards the beginning of the chapter, the bookstore that Oedipa normally visits is discovered burned down.  A change in society’s norm suggests a future change in the story’s plot.   A major theme in this chapter of the book was illusion versus reality.  All of the examples supporting this theme also relate to Tristero.  For instance, on page 20 a quote states, “When [Oedipa] got back to Echo Courts, she found Miles, Dean, and Serge and Leonard composed and motionless that some photographer, hidden from Oepida, might have been them for an album illustration.”  Comparing the real scene with an album illustration makes the scene seem almost like fantasy.  Other examples include the book containing the history about Tristero having the words “that outlandish and fantastical race” in the title (pg. 129), and the possibility that “Tristero had staged the entire French Revolution” (pg. 136).  These all serve to emphasize Oedipa’s confusion in her quest to discover what Tristero is.  She isn’t sure what information she’s heard is false and what information is real.  Additionally, these examples foreshadow Mike Fallopian's comment that Tristero may have been only a hoax.  Aside from the theme of illusion versus reality, Oedipa’s anxiety caused by her search for the truth behind Tristero is emphasized.  She begins to grow ill, and “her mind would go on flexing psychic muscles that no longer existed; would be betrayed and mocked by a phantom self as the amputee is by a phantom limb” (pg. 133).  This quote not only emphasizes the toll Oedipa’s anxiety has had on her, but also suggests a mental confusion.  A last example revealing Oedipa’s unhealthy anxiety is found in a quote on page 124, which states, “Grace looked surprised.  ‘There’s a certain harassed style,’ she said, ‘you get to recognize.  I thought only kids caused it.  I guess not.’”  Through the chapter, the reader can see Oedipa’s emotional rollercoaster as she fights for the truth.  She begins to doubt she’ll ever discover what Tristero is when she starts neglecting to pursue anyone that would have useful information.  Her first action that suggests this is her refusal to call K. da Chingado.  Later, she regains hope as she discovers that someone from Tristero may be at an auction to buy W.A.S.T.E. stamps.  Thus, Oedipa decides to attend the auction in an attempt to find the anonymous auctioneer.  The chapter ends with the auction beginning, Oedipa still fighting for the truth.  This ending leaves the reader to imagine their own ending.  It also proves Oedipa’s unbelievable determination and perseverance in her quest.  It suggests she is not willing to give up quite yet.  Not giving the reader an answer as to what Tristero really is may also suggest that Tristero is indeed just a hoax with no true answers.