Seymour and Eloise

In Nine Stories written by J.D Salinger, the two short stories, “A Perfect Day for a Bananafish” and “ Uncle Wiggly in Connecticut” both tell the story of characters whose lives have been affected by World War II. In “A Perfect Day for a Bananafish,” Seymour Glass, returns from combat with Post–Traumatic Stress Syndrome, which causes him to avoid the adult world. Eloise, on the other hand, who lost her lover in the war, closes herself up emotionally and ignores her own daughter.

In “A Perfect Day for a Bananafish,” Seymour, a troubled veteran, has difficulty interacting with his wife Muriel. There is a certain disconnect between both of them that prevents them from communicating with one another. Seymour treats Muriel as a child at times, calling her certain names that most people would find offensive. While Muriel was conversing with her mother, the subject of Seymour came up. Her mother questioned Seymour’s behavior towards Muriel. The name calling had already been made present as Muriel’s mother asks if Seymour has continued calling Muriel a certain awful name. Muriel responds by this by saying there is actually a new name that she is being called. “All right, all right. He calls me Miss Spiritual Tramp of 1948.” (Salinger, p. 5) This certain relation that Seymour has with his own wife collides with the relationship he has with a younger girl, Sybil.

Seymour’s character seems to have a drastic change as he interacts with Sybil. Seymour emits a certain respect towards Sybil that is concealed when interacting with Muriel. Sybil is merely a child but Seymour treats her like if she were of older age. After Sybil approaches Seymour to greet him, he responds to her as if they had been long time friends. “�Sybil,’ he says, �you’re looking fine. It’s good to see you. Tell me about yourself.’”

Eloise, Ramona’s