Re: I luv Holden
Camille Scaysbrook (verona_beach@geocities.com)
Thu, 02 Jul 1998 10:24:22 +1000
> Holden is coherent, clear and sensible throughout his narrative. This
> suggests that while others might think he is in need of help, the reader
> is supposed to realize he's okay. He's honest and plain and he appears
> to have a grasp on his situation. Madness recollected in tranquility,
> perhaps, but his account of the events that put him where he is betray
> no epic breakdown. See the Franny Glass narrative for the behavior of
> Salinger characters experiencing breakdowns. And remember, too, that
> all Salinger characters who are alive at the end of their stories have
> recovered, or will soon. In fact, you might say that Salinger's stories
> are about people getting better.
Well put! I always thought I was going crazy myself whenever they described
Holden as a loony, schizophrenic what-have-you because I empathised with
him so much. Like I said, it never even crossed my mind that he may have
broken down until I read it elsewhere. No matter what, I do think Salinger
intends us to see him as basically all-there.
Camille
verona_beach@geocities.com
@ THE ARTS HOLE
www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Theater/6442