That's what Jesus meant, whispers the ghost of Slothrop's first American ancestor William, venturing out on the Sea of Galilee. He saw it from the lemming point of view. Without the millions who had plunged and drowned, there could have been no miracle. The successful loner was only the other part of it: the last piece to the jigsaw puzzle, whose shape had already been created by the Preterite, like the last blank space on the table.Wait a minute. You people didn't have jigsaw puzzles.Aw, shit.
The ghost of Slothrop's ancestor, William, reflects on a profound interpretation of a biblical notion, suggesting that the miracle of Jesus on the Sea of Galilee gains significance from the collective sacrifices of many. He posits that without the countless individuals who succumbed, the triumph of the lone survivor would be meaningless. This concept frames the successful individual as merely a culmination of previous efforts, highlighting the interconnectedness of all experiences in shaping extraordinary moments.
The mention of jigsaw puzzles serves as a humorous aside, emphasizing the cultural disconnect between the characters and their historical context. It suggests a deeper irony about understanding achievements, where one must acknowledge the myriad of contributions that pave the way for singular victories. Pynchon's narrative invites readers to consider how individual success is often built on the foundations laid by others, intertwining personal and collective histories in the pursuit of meaning.
