Re: BANANAFISH digest 121
Andrew Youn (andrew.youn@yale.edu)
Thu, 09 Oct 1997 19:40:34 -0400 (EDT)
There were some comments about whether or not we should tear apart
Salinger's work. I am still a bit undecided.
On one hand, I think the only really "pure" way to enjoy a piece of
fiction is to take it as it is, to get wrapped up in it like it's another
little world, and the best writers are utterly convincing in that respect,
so that when the story ends, it takes you a second to readjust and you
realize that you've been holding your breath. It sounds really sappy, but
that's what I like so much about Salinger, all the little details and the
endearing characters (I don't even think of them as characters but more as
real people) that he has.
On the other hand, I can't say that it is less legitimate to discuss your
interpretation of his work with other people, since it is so significant.
Somehow, I just think that discussion and analysis takes something away
from that hold-your-breath kind of absorption that his work offers.
Hey, I just got an unrelated but cool thought. I've heard that he's been
writing for the last 20 years. Just imagine all those stories sitting
there. Whatever his reasons for not publishing them, I hope I get to see
them in my lifetime.