In Thomas Pynchon's "The Crying of Lot 49," the protagonist encounters the concept of "excluded middles," which refer to scenarios where certain possibilities or conditions are overlooked or ignored. This idea signifies complexity in communication and understanding, suggesting that simplifications can lead to misconceptions. These excluded middles are seen as problematic and undesirable, highlighting the importance of recognizing the full spectrum of perspectives.
The narrator's awareness of these excluded middles reflects a broader commentary on societal oversights and the dangers of binary thinking. By deeming them as "bad shit," the text encourages readers to engage deeply with the nuances of situations rather than resorting to simplistic conclusions, thus enriching their comprehension of the world and its intricacies.