The documentary elaborated much on J.D., Jerry David, Salinger's earlier life and especially his experiences as a soldier in World War II. It was repeated several times in the film that Salinger's hardships gained him the ability to write such impeccable literature, especially Catcher in the Rye. Driven by trauma from his experiences Salinger also developed intense mistrust and hatred towards the media and publishers. He never wrote for anyone else but himself.
This immediately directed me to my Peter Elbow's Writing with Power lesson, called "Audience as a Focusing Force." Elbow explains the importance of two audiences: yourself and your readers. He states that it is best to write for both in a balance. The most difficult part of this concept may be in writing for others, because the more you start to consider other's ideas, the more influenced and less authentic your ideas become. As for Salinger, he had a strong grasp on what he stood for and what he stood against. The hurtful experiences he had with the media made him inconsiderate of other’s thoughts on his work. Perfection was based on his own judgment.
It is truly amazing how greatly people received his work although it was the least considerate of their interests and standards. 65 billion copies of Catcher in the Rye have been sold, with 250,000 each year. Salinger has affected so many people’s lives with only the third novel he has written.
Can we eventually write well enough to be insensitive about the perception of others and still succeed or are only incredible people like Jerry Salinger able to do so? Do you think that you should write more for yourself and just a little bit for your audience? Which is more important to you?
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| Salinger in Germany writing Catcher in the Rye. |
First off, I really love this post, Bianca!
ReplyDeleteIn response to your questions:
Many people believe that they like hearing what they wish to hear. The truth of it is, though, I think we all secretly yearn for the blunt, sharp-edged, gnashing fangs of truth. I believe a part of us wants someone to tell us we're wrong, to challenge to our beliefs. Our minds crave expansion; our DNA craves evolution of the self; our young flesh craves variation. Most of us don't openly seek the truth, but I do because I'm tired of the "Birds of a feather flock together" crap that is spouted from so many mouths to the point that my teeth are set on edge and I am doubtful of my core, my want for transformation, my love of all things honest, things that will mold me for the better. There are many people I know whom are stubborn, narcissistic, closed off, cold, and completely distant from outside voices. There are many I know whom accept mediocrity as if it were expected of them, as if it were just another hoop they were to artfully jump though. Any who, without straying from the point, I believe Jerry Salinger was one of those people who openly sought TRUTH, be it dark or (god forbid!) controversial. Jerry was one of those people who understood that although some people are fond of avoiding extremely important subjects merely because the friction that comes with them.
I believe that strong minds such as Jerry can be MADE.
ANY of US can become someone great.
ANY of US can do something important.
ANY of US can use the tools given to us and acquired for big things.
WE decide how we handle the cards we're dealt.
WE decide what paths we take in our lives.
SO, YES, Bianca, we are all capable of becoming good writers. It takes effort. With effort, comes skill. With skill comes a beautiful art that we ourselves create (:
As for whether or not we should write more for ourselves or for an audience, I think it depends. If there's something we have to get out, some ambition causing our bottles to crack and let stir our inner cores, then we ought to write for ourselves, that way we capture our most true inner voice. However, some sort of outside audience must be accounted for, even in the smallest amount, so that the writing is clear and comprehensible because what good is a statement if it is unpolished gibberish? So, both. Both are very important! (:
TYPO
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Jerry was one of those people who understood that although some people are fond of avoiding extremely important subjects merely because the friction that comes with them, it's necessary for those very people to at least be exposed to such heated topics. Enlightenment is no small, easy thing.
J. D. Salinger had such a weird personal life. Tawdry. Which raises a question: can you separate the art from the artist? Ever since I read a book written by one of his former lovers, I have not really liked him personally, but I still admire Catcher, Franney and Zooey, and of course, Nine Stories. These recent photographs that have been published to promote his book depict what a handsome guy he was. Too bad he was such a creep.
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