> Basically, my problem with Holden is that it's too negaitive, there are >no answers offered. It's just a big long rant on everything. Not a fan of Shakespeare, then, eh? Hamlet was very much like Holden; it's no mistake that Holden criticizes Olivier's performance of the Danish prince as if Holden *Knew* the part well. Holden was living the life of Hamlet. Not all the logistics, but whatever. The point is, I think a great deal of good literature is mostly negative in nature, and while we all like the author to offer us some hope somewhere in there, that's not necessarily life, is it? Some characters don't have hope. I think Holden does give us hope, though I can't tell you exactly what that hope is. All I know is that when I finish reading that book I feel a sense of awe and beauty and grace and a little sadness, which is hopeful as well. We need to learn that sadness isn't the end of the world. We can cope. I feel like I should hug someone now, so I'll move on. I think people who read >Catcher who view Holden as the answer are a little bit misguided. I couldn't agree more. I don't think he's meant to be Jesus; I think he's meant to be confused. Because you identify with someone doesn't mean that they're correct; that's where the teenagers go wrong, I think. > I just wonder (pure speculation on my part) if JD, after the >cultural phenomenon of Catcher, didn't feel that Holden was a little >irresponsible of him. Then set upon offering more of a "guide" with the Glass >stories. > Interesting point. I can't imagine anyone thinking that Catcher is an irresponsible book in any way. Anyone who looks to any media for instruction is a fool. Most Christians don't even use the Bible for instruction; they let the Interpreters give them instruction. We can look to the critics as our Priests, but then again--I quit the Church for a reason, and I ain't about to get back on that boat, especially when it comes to JD. Brendan ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com