Why Salinger Intrigues Me
Lomanno (lomanno@ix.netcom.com)
Tue, 25 Aug 1998 15:06:47 -0400
I'm brand new to the BANANAFISH list, and I'd like to begin by
saying this seems to be a great outlet for those of us torn between the
desire to know the man who has influenced our lives so profoundly and
the need to protect his much-needed privacy.
What intrigues me most about Salinger is the way he has given
us so much of himself through his writings, yet he hides as if he's a
stranger to us. How can he pour his heart out on paper for all to see,
then tell us we don't know him? He has a connection with each and every
one of us whether he likes it or not, and this discussion group allows
us to express our thoughts about his writing without disturbing his
eccentric lifestyle.
I am a graduate student, and I'm thinking of writing my thesis
on why we as readers feel the need to "know" the writer in order to
understand and appreciate his writing. Shouldn't the writing stand
alone within the context of history and society? Needless to say,
Salinger was the inspiration for this idea.
For instance, must we know that Salinger likes peas in order to
understand the thoughts of Holden Caulfield? Must we delve into
Salinger's Buddhist practices in order to see the Glass family more
clearly (no pun intended)? Please let me know your thoughts on this
issue.