Re: Miss Spiritual Tramp

Susan.E.Pearson (susanp@ou.edu)
Mon, 08 Dec 1997 11:51:06 -0600

I, too, have always been curious about Muriel. She just doesn't seem
good enough for our Seymour. I am always so touched by the part in his
journal in "Raise High..." when he calls her a "poor sweet baby." I
don't know why he loves her. He just seems to be touched by her
simplicity (whatever that means). I am interested in what others think
about her. Why, Seymour, why?

Susan


Brendan McKennedy wrote:
> 
> 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.
> 
> 
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