Subject: Game Over
From: Sean Draine (seandr@microsoft.com)
Date: Fri Aug 03 2001 - 02:13:46 GMT
Will:
"Holden, while talking to Spencer relates that Dr. Thurmer tried to tell
Holden life is a game to be played by rules on page 8 of TCIT. Spencer
attempts to reinforce Thurmer but Holden is right when he says: "If you
get on the side where all the hot-shots are, then it's game
alright--I'll admit that. But if you get on the other side, where there
aren't any hot shots, then what's the game about it?" People like to say
life is a game when their advantages make it fun to play. For those of
us who struggle, it's not a game, it's a struggle."
Kind of reminds me of a scene from _Liar, Liar_.
Son: "My teacher says real beauty's on the inside."
Jim Carrey: "Ah, that's just something ugly people say."
But seriously, all this "life's a game" mularky brings up a basic
question about Holden and Catcher. Does Salinger intend Holden's ideals
to be taken at face value? Are we meant to follow Holden's moral,
intellectual lead? I suppose the Mark Chapman school of lit crit would
say 'yes.' (Of course, old Mark went over the edge.) But I think the
relationship Salinger had in mind between Holden and his readers is a
bit more complicated.
Like Esme and Sybil, Holden's virtue is fundamentally tied up with
childhood. Salinger's presents this state of mind in a way that adults
can appreciate, root for, and probably even recollect. One of my
favorite things about Holden is how he always refers to people as "old"
as in "old Jane". At Holden's age my friends and I used this same speech
mannerism - we thought it was funny in a way I can't really explain, and
it was pleasantly surprising to later learn that Salinger was in on our
joke. But, I don't think Salinger intended his adult readers to emulate
Holden. To do so, would be, well, childish. Holden is a muse like Esme
and Sybil, not a guru like the aweful, mature-beyond-his-years Teddy.
-Sean
P.S. Will, Chris, excellent show!!
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