Subject: Re: suicide / textual
AntiUtopia@aol.com
Date: Wed Mar 01 2000 - 12:18:02 EST
In a message dated 3/1/00 9:12:53 AM Eastern Standard Time,
jjv@caesun.msd.ray.com writes:
<< Self-identification is the strongest link between story and reader.
We're facinated most by characters that show us something about ourselves.
Does Seymour then show us that we are all cowards? That we would do the
same if in his shoes?
And, finally, let's try to remember that Seymour wasn't a mystic until
after APDFB.
-jason >>
I think I've gone over Seymour's possible mind and motives enough, but I will
re-emphasize that I don't think his entire character was one of cowardice (at
least, I don't think so yet), but just that he may have succumbed to that
temptation in that particular act.
So far as author's intent, I won't go into a theoretical discussion, but if
Salinger can create characters as unattractive as those in Pretty Mouth, he
may find reasons to draw a coward as well.
Jim
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