Bananafish

Lomanno (lomanno@ix.netcom.com)
Sun, 30 Aug 1998 19:10:46 -0400

I'm so disappointed that I missed the chat session!! I was skimming
over the transcript, and I noticed that much of the discussion was about
"Perfect Day for Bananafish" and why Seymour killed himself.
I have not had the opportunity to discuss this story with many people, 
but my husband and I seem to be the only ones who feel it has
overwhelming sexual connotations.
	I cannot read the story without seeing Seymour as a closet 
pedophile who loathes himself for it. The way he befriends this little
girl and coaxes her out into the water alone with him, then talks
about BANANAFISH and kisses her foot all seems a little too creepy
(granted, the bananafish do not necessarily LOOK like bananas; it's just
the picture I get).
	I don't know if anyone has read "Hapworth," but I got a copy from the
library on microfiche, and it's basically a letter from  seven-year-old
Seymour Glass to his family about his experiences in military school.
The story characterizes Seymour as a pompous, over-educated, and highly
sexualized child who lusts for his female camp counselors and nurses. I
think this story emphasizes Seymour's twisted mind and taps into the
neurosis that ultimately forces him to take his life (the brilliance of
the story is that it was published almost 20 years AFTER "Bananafish").
	"Bananafish" has always seemed to me Seymour's final moment of
weakness; he realizes he has finally taken things too far, and if he
doesn't stop himself he may hurt someone. However, I have not yet worked
through the first half of the story that illustrates his wife's
character. She just seems kind of oblivious to him.
	Please tell me when the next chat session is scheduled and how to get
there. I would love to attend.