A Perfect Day For Bananafish Essay

Unfortunately, I did not like this piece. It was very confusing and I had to read it numerous time, in order to get a full understanding. I am currently reading Franny and Zooey, and I realize that Salinger’s favorite transitional word is “incidentally”. Salinger also, uses this word a lot in A Perfect Day for Bananafish. I love the fact that it is a third person narrator, but it was not what I was expecting. While reading A Perfect Day for Bananafish, I became more interested in the characters than the actual text. During the conversation between Muriel and her mother, I realize that Muriel portrays a sense of control, independency, and wealth. I discovered this based on her lifestyle and the way she talks to her mom over the phone. Although, Muriel and

Muriel, you gave me your word of- […] In the first place, he said it was a perfect crime the Army released him from the hospital – my word of honor” (Salinger, 1948). As the conversation continues, it becomes clear that Seymour is not mentally stable and that’s why Muriel’s mom displayed a sense of fear when she found out that Seymour drove. Muriel also explains to her mother that she tried to talk with a psychiatrist who is staying at the hotel about Seymour’s problems. The character Seymour (see more glass), reminds me of Christopher in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, both characters are forced to live in a world that they do not like. For example, Christopher is able to interact with animals better, while Seymour is able to interact with children, like the character Sybil. While it seems like Seymour is unable to communicate, he was able to express himself and interact with Sybil on the beach, where he discusses the bananafish. While explain the bananafish to Sybil, Seymour became drawn and attracted to her. As a result, Seymour “suddenly picked up one of Sybil’s wet feet, which were drooping over the end of the float, and kissed the arch” (Salinger,