Re: too many rodeos

Daniel,

Strolling through the garden with Salinger's stories, just as with
Hemingway's or Faulkner's, would eliminate my admiration for the imaginative
skill of the author. I don't think I'm digging up the flora; quite simply,
I'm bending down to get a closer look at the beauty of the flowers. Perhaps
with some authors -- the ones that really touch my soul, such as Salinger --
I might even peek my nose inside the petals for a smell.

I don't prefer Zoos to the actual great outdoors, but I will confess that I
occasionally prefer Zooeys. I'm working on this, though, especially after a
recent re-reading of Thoreau's Walden. I'm not sure what this criticism has
to do with my desire to peer in at Salinger's work, and actually, I thought
that's what this list was about.

I also disagree with your claim that I should admire myself in the mirror if
it's the text I'm after. The reason I love these texts is that they take me
out of myself. They lend me a slight glimpse of what other humans feel,
believe, and think. Wrapping my arms around someone never indicates my
ownership of that object, especially metaphorically. Even literally, when I
wrap my arms around my mom, I don't own her. I simply love her.

I'll admit to irritation at Salinger's self-induced isolation, too. When
you bare your soul to someone, through writing or music or art, you
shouldn't shun their love or understanding. Even if I can't hug Jerry, I
can love what he's given to us.

-K

-
* Unsubscribing? Mail majordomo@roughdraft.org with the message
* UNSUBSCRIBE BANANAFISH
Received on Mon Mar 24 16:44:52 2003