Miss Spiritual Tramp
Brendan McKennedy (the.tourist@mailexcite.com)
Sat, 06 Dec 1997 00:17:47 -0700
Having just mentioned her in my last post, my mind is now fixed on Muriel.
Over time, Muriel has steadily bored into my heart and become one of my favorite
characters. In my first experiences with her, in "bananafish" and indirectly in
"Carpenters", I tried not to like her. I tried to find her superficial and annoying...but
mostly because I wanted to much to believe in Seymour and what he Stands For...
Of course, I was ignoring that Seymour himself loved her, and indeed tells us so
in his journals...and now I want to discover why. I'm very drawn to her character
as well, buy I can't figure out why. All of the traits she displays are obnoxious--especially
viewed through Seymour-colored glasses. She's remarkably like Sally Hayes, who I
can't stand. For some reason, I feel a depth of character in Muriel that I just
don't sense in Sally.
It's more than the tragedy that she was widowed by Seymour's happiness. I can't honestly
say I know what it is.
If anyone else feels this inexplicable draw toward Muriel--or even if you don't--maybe
you could shed some light on this for me. I'd appreciate any thoughts on the matter,
except those dealing with her Homosexuality, the Morality of It, or the Morality
of the Aliens who kidnapped her in a Parallel Dimension.
Just kidding folks. (Not really though.)
Brendan.
Free web-based email, Forever, From anywhere!
http://www.mailexcite.com