J D Salinger's 9 Stories

J D Salinger’s style is so unique and complex on “9 Stories”. J D’s stories deal with children in one way or another. Two of those stories are “A perfect day for a bananafish” and “For Esme with love and squalor.” The main characters in both of these stories, Seymour and Sergeant X, have served in World War II, and the war has taken a great toll in their life. Their physiological well being …

…and comfort them, one has little to keep themselves happy and sane. Isolation leads to depression and suicide, which is why someone who can help keeps reality close by is so important, such as Esme was for Sgt. X. Esme provided comfort and security for Sgt. X, while no one could do so for Seymour. The comfort and security is what kept Sgt. X alive and the lack of is what ended it for Seymour.