Here's what you do, suggested Tansy Wagwheel, whom this job in just a few short weeks would drive screaming down Fifteenth Street and on into the embrace of the Denver County public-school system, It's in this wonderful book I keep close to me all the time, A Modern Christian's Guide to Moral Perplexities. Right here, on page eighty-six, is your answer. Do you have your pencil? Good, write this down-'Dynamite Them All, and Let Jesus Sort Them Out.' Uh . . . Yes, I know. . . . The dreamy look on her face could not possibly be for Lew. Does it do horse races? Lew asked after a while. Mr. Basnight, you card.
Tansy Wagwheel suggests a rather extreme approach to resolving moral dilemmas in Thomas Pynchon's "Against the Day." She refers to a guidebook, "A Modern Christian's Guide to Moral Perplexities," and quotes a rather shocking directive from it: to "Dynamite Them All, and Let Jesus Sort Them Out." This humorous yet dark statement reflects Tansy's unique perspective and her determination to tackle challenges head-on as she prepares for her upcoming role in the Denver County public-school system.
The interaction reveals a blend of absurdity and introspection, especially as her dreamy expression hints that her thoughts may not be on the man she is with, Lew. The dialogue showcases their playful banter, with Lew lightheartedly inquiring about horse races, indicating a contrast between his casual demeanor and Tansy's intense outlook on life's complexities. This moment captures the book's exploration of ethical ambiguity and the characters' individual responses to it.
