In Thomas Pynchon's "The Crying of Lot 49," the author presents a complex metaphor of the freeway as a hypodermic needle. This imagery reflects how highways feed into Los Angeles, likening the flow of traffic to a lifeline for the city. The freeway nourishes L.A., ensuring it remains vibrant and seemingly secure from the chaos of the outside world.

This description suggests that the freeway serves as both a connector and a barrier, shaping the way people experience the city. It raises questions about the illusion of comfort and coherence in urban life, as well as the underlying pain that resides beyond this structured existence. The metaphor emphasizes the interplay between city development and the human experience, inviting deeper contemplation of societal dynamics.