Chapter 19
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"ocean liner Stupendica"The S.S. Stupendica makes an appearance in Pynchon's Against the Day, being the liner the Zombini family takes to Europe for a tour. Discussion
"smoking a Melachrino in a jade holder"
Melachrino cigarettes — "the aristocratic Egyptian cigarette" — were an Egyptian brand popular from the late 19th century through mid-20th century. In its advertising it emphasized Orientalism (romanticizing "the East"), worldliness and sophistication, and high-class leisure (opera, hotels, international travel).
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junior purser
This would be an assistant to the purser on an ocean liner who was the ship’s chief administrative and financial officer — essentially the head of the ship’s hotel, passenger, and business operations, while the captain handled navigation and command.
