Perhaps J. D. Salinger’s greatest short story, and certainly the most popular one, For Esmé—With Love and Squalor was a fantastic read- and I consider myself fortunate that I chose this story to study. For Esmé is a deeply moving work of literature; Salinger weaves together brilliantly-written characters into a timeless tapestry- and, delving deeper, careful readers will find that threads of deeper themes and messages run through the story- ultimately leaving them with a sense of having discovered a true masterpiece. The story begins with the narrator- whose name is never revealed- expressing regret for being unable to attend the wedding of a dear friend. Instead, he writes a letter, detailing his experiences with the bride. The narrator meets …show more content…
In my opinion, all of the major themes throughout the story- compassion, youthful innocence, war, alienation- they all tied together and culminated into this final moment. It is Esmé’s compassion and kindness for the narrator- sending a fond message and a gift- that eventually leads him onto the path of recovery. Coupled with the innocent and childlike quality of Esmé’s letter, the message seemed to remind X of his time with Esmé, and his own youth, when he was more carefree. Perhaps he didn’t want to lose Esmé’s friendship; perhaps he was moved by Esmé’s gesture of kindness; perhaps he finally didn’t feel alone anymore. Whatever it was, it demonstrated that even the smallest bit of compassion can deeply affect a life for the better- even one as embittered and shattered as X’s was. This is a beautiful message to end off a story- and despite the tragic and dark turns to the narrator’s life, the ending gives me hope that X will finally recover. Everything is brought to a conclusion with the narrator’s final sentiments: “You take a really sleepy man, Esmé, and he always stands a chance of again becoming a man with all his fac—with all his f-a-c-u-l-t-i-e-s intact.” (pg.114, Nine Stories) This was, in my opinion, a wonderfully touching and inspiring message to end the narrator’s journey. Despite having gone through so much, he just might be able to yet heal from his hardships- leaving me to wonder, as I close the book- does the narrator ever return to his old self? Will he ever meet Esmé