[Fwd: Salinger and Dylan]
Lomanno (lomanno@ix.netcom.com)
Mon, 07 Sep 1998 10:56:31 -0400
Message-ID: <35F3F34E.6D7A@ix.netcom.com>
Date: Mon, 07 Sep 1998 10:53:02 -0400
From: Lomanno <lomanno@ix.netcom.com>
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To: banafish@lists.nyu.edu
Subject: Salinger and Dylan
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Well, I was glad to see the lively discussion sparked by my suggestion
that Seymour is a pedophile. Even if I was way off with this idea (which
I still support), at least I got people talking, which is the point of
this list. I was really glad to hear all of your comments.
Now I've got another fun idea: with all this talk of Bob Dylan, I
couldn't help but see some parallels between this "folk icon" and our
beloved "man-of-the-hour" Salinger. I mean, both are geniuses at
story-telling. They create unforgettable characters that you begin to
know on an intimate level. They both make comments on society through
their work. War plays a big part in their writing (Salinger, WWII;
Dylan,Vietnam). And they are both extremely reclusive and at times
downright rude! Dylan has only granted a handful of interviews in his
entire 30+ year career and has been very outspoken in his hatred of
journalists who ask dumb "pop star" questions. Finally, both seem
compelled to continue with their art even at the risk of their much-
needed privacy. Salinger can't seem to STOP writing, even though he
must know one day his work will probably be published, with or without
his permission. Dylan seems to hate the spotlight, yet he continues
to tour.
These are just some ideas that flew into my head today. Thanks for
indulging me.