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One of the most interesting aspects of Salinger's works is when the subject
of education is broached. There is the obvious contempt for the "parasitic"
Lane Coutell's, who want praise for being a lit. critic and are candidates
for future section men in various English Departments. Then there is
Nicholson and the specialized educators (Lidekker group), who like to study
people like Teddy and Zooey, trying to map a blueprint of how the gears in
them turn. But just when I believe that Salinger is moving in a direction
that suggests children should teach themselves, that English professors are
leeches, and that English depratments are useless because you "can't keep a
born scholar ignorant" anyway, I realize the author's "alter-ego" teaches
"Advanced Writing 24-A". And how many members of his all girl composition
class will turn into Mrs. Fedder's, do you think? Moreover, Seymour was the
first to choose his profession as an English Professor, at any Ivy League
school, no less. But he had certainly been a mentor within the family long
before that official appointment at age 18. Also, Mr. Antolini was the only
person Holden respected from school. So does anyone else notice while
Salinger derives pleasure in bad-mouthing aspects of education, he still has
respect for the teaching profession?

-Aaron

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Received on Sun Aug 25 14:00:48 2002