Progression of Time in "World's End"

When I initially began reading T.C. Boyle's "World's End," I was confused by the way Boyle skips between both the past and present in introducing his characters. I had been told to expect this, however I noticed that as the book progresses this theme of historical chaos continues. Although I had adapted to his writing style, the way Boyle constantly alludes to similar historical events indicates a theme of cultural progress, or as it appears, the lack thereof.

Examples of these allusions include the comparison of the U.S.S. Anima and the 1699 wreck of William Kidd's Quedah Merchant (pg 12/14), the mention of Revolutionary War figures on Walter's ride home (pg 17), and later in the book as Depeyster peruses a biography of General Israel Putnam dating back to the 18th century (pg 161). While these specific allusions exist, it is the theme of lack of cultural progress that is most powerful. It is almost as if Boyle is suggesting that we have not learned from history- from our historical ancestors.

An example of on a character basis is found in Walter, who is following his father down the slippery slope of depression, danger (their similar motorcycle injuries), and alcohol abuse. On the cultural level this lack of progress is evident in Boyle's references to American literature, specifically his character Sasha Freeman's "Marx Among the Mohicans" (titled similarly to Cooper's novel "Last of the Mohicans").

Overall, Boyle is implying that American culture has not progressed due to its inability to learn from historical mistakes- mistakes that could have been avoided through the transfer of wisdom and values typically associated with the passing of generations.