Re: esme is me?
the.tourist@excite.com
Mon, 22 Feb 1999 21:50:37 -0800 (PST)
> I can't believe I am doing this to you, but I
> must briefly weigh in on the
> Seymour as pedophile issue: Salinger's use of
> Esme, Phoebe Caulfield, the Glasses, Seymour's
> very encounter with Sybil[...]
This is, I think, one of the most frightening and indeed *fascinating*
issues that we as Salinger fans can discuss.
That said, I currently have nothing to add to the issue but more confusion:
Don't forget that Salinger addressed the issue himself, via Mr. Antolini and
Holden--the hair stroking, and so on. I think Salinger was keenly aware of
the gray area his characters ventured into, between pedophilia and the
innocent need to preserve innocence. But I don't think Salinger was
offering any answers, either.
Maybe Antolini *was* just admiring Holden.
--Brendan
_______________________________________________________
Get your free, private email at http://mail.excite.com/