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Posted by Brian on January 11, 19102 at 15:18:09:
In Reply to: Your Thoughts on Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger posted by Serenity Angel Tsukino on March 08, 19101 at 10:15:25:
Well,
First off let me warn you that I am not completely sure I understand this book. Salinger is a complicated man. So, if at any point you feel the urge to simply disregard what I am saying, as a result of it sounding like utter, and complete jibberish, then by all means, you probably have the right to do so.
So, now that I've broken the ice. I just want to say that although I do not completely understand this book, as previously mentioned, it still presents itself as one of my all-time favourite novels. The reason being-I think-the complex layers of emotions illustrated within each character. Of course, this is eveident in the main characters Franny & Zooey; but especially Zooey. Out of the many examples I could use, the scene where his mother comments on the beauty of his back, as he stood in front of the mirror. Zooey, lashes back in a defensive nature, misinterpretng the tone of the compliment.
The narrator, at the beginnig of Zooey's section states that Zooey was a very knowlegeable child. And we can see that is, as a result of the influences of his older brothers, Seymour and Buddy. Because of his increased knowledge at a young age, his perceptions of reality proved to be very jaded as a young adult, therefore, almost making it impossible for him to naturally interpret something in the most literal, purist sense. He is incapble to accept almost anything, for the way they are; there always has to be an alterior motive, an underlying message.
So, when his mother commented on the fact that he had, nice back; she was literally just commenting on the beauty of his back. Not only was she basking in his beauty, she was just innocently relishing in the fact that Zooey was so smart, and intelligent. And although he could be terribly rude sometimes, he did tell the truth, and that was an admirable trait, worth praising. Zooey, however, chose to understand the compliment as a perverse, Oedipalistic insinuation, lashing back rudely as a defense. Being wise to reality, Zooey is to not able to accept the simple joys in life, he must always look for the motives that lie beneath; he's always on the defense. Personlly, that's why I think he comes off as being so crabby, in essence, a prick.
Using the same example, I think there is a simple reason why Saliger had Ms.Gl compliment on Zooey's back, as opposed to any other body part. Firstly, the back is wholesome, it isn't a body part that insinuates to the reader. Secondly, it's the back, the foundation, and stability of the body. Therefore representing the fact that although Ms. Gl worries about Zooey, she isn't genuinely worried, she has faith in character, and she knows that he will be fine, he knows himself. And lastly, the back is part of one's body that cannot be seen alone. Someone else can describe it better than individual himself. So, on a metaphorical level, Ms.Gl was describing a part of Zooey that even he could not see. Also making, I believe, feel vulnerable, and insecure, making him feel as though he had to defend himself.
So from that example, one can see the complex levels of one of Salinger's characters, in particular Zooey Gl. As mention way earlier, disregard what you will, but I hoestly believe that through that one scene, Salinger showed the absolute true character of Zooey, ultimately increasing the magnitude of his realization in the end. This is my opinion, you are not obliged to agree, but this is what I feel. Anyway, I hope this is of help. Ciao.
Bri.