In Thomas Pynchon's "Mason & Dixon," the narrative explores the role of surveyors and their unique perspective on reality through hypothetical scenarios. The phrase "Might-it-bes" and "If-it-weres" indicates a complex engagement with possibilities and alternate interpretations of existence, as the surveyors navigate their duties and the philosophical implications of their work.
The concept of "What-was-thats" suggests a contemplation of history and memory, pointing to how the past can influence present realities. The characters are caught between the tangible measurement of the land and the intangible nature of human thought, reflecting the intricate relationship between observation and interpretation in their journeys.