Mason & Dixon Summary
Thomas Pynchon

Mason & Dixon Summary

The theme of isolation and alienation is a thread running throughout the book.

Isolation in Capetown drives the Vroom family to religious hypocrisy and sexual immorality. Isolation on St. Helena drives Nevil Maskelyne to eccentricity and paranoia. Isolation on the frontier drives settlers like the Paxton brothers to violence and depravity.

Journeys are also a major theme. During the course of their journeys to three continents, Mason and Dixon encounter different cultures, new...

(read more from the Short Guide)