George Saunders on The Importance of Kindness:

George Saunders on The Importance of Kindness:

    George Saunders employs techniques of narrative in his speech The Importance of Kindness. One way he accomplishes this is through the use of imagery to support characterization. The memory of a new student in his seventh grade class is retold in vivid detail. He describes “Ellen”, a name given for retelling purposes, stating, “she was small, shy, she wore these catseye glasses which at the time only old ladies wore.” This description allows listeners to not only picture her, but draw conclusions about her character. His statement that she wore glasses that only old ladies wore reveals that she was different than the other kids at school, and most likely did not fit in. Another way he utilizes narrative techniques is through the inclusion of movement. He shows this by traveling from a small story to a greater idea. He eludes that the theme of the story is kindness by stating a goal as to be kinder in his introduction. He revisits this concept of kindness at the end of the piece when he generalizes that the people we remember most and have warm feelings towards are those who were nice to us. Saunders uses this story from his childhood to make the argument that we should be kinder to people.

    Saunders exhibits perceptivity by providing observations he made about Ellen throughout the year. He talks about watching her hang her head after she was teased by peers and the hurt he watched her feel. He states that “she was trying as much as possible to disappear.” This reveals that he was aware of her actions and was able to make the assumption that she began to attempt to go unnoticed. Saunders shows an understanding of Ellen’s feelings although he never mentions any conversations that took place between them. This shows that he often put himself in her shoes in order to see things from her perspective.

    Saunders offers the surprising information that the reason he is retelling this story is because he still is always thinking about it even though it was over 40 years ago. It is powerful that he would recall such an unimportant event in his life, and speaks to the impact it had on him. He states, “what I regret most in my life are the failures of kindness.” Listeners might assume that he must have been mean, or unkind to Ellen considering the regret he seems to have about the situation. However, he discloses that he was never rude to her, and sometimes even stood up for her. I think that even though he wasn’t one of the kids causing her pain he still carries with him the regret that he wasn’t able to stop her from moving away.

Catcher in the Rye post 2

Within Holden's vignette about the suitcases, he makes a powerful statement that provides insight to his perspective of the world around him. He states, "...it's really hard to be roommates with people if your suitcases are much better than theirs - if yours are really good ones and theirs aren't.  You think if they're intelligent and all, the other person, and have a good sense of humor, that they don't give a --- whose suitcases are better, but they do.  They really do" (Salinger 121). Holden is trying to say that people judge others by what kind of suitcase they carry. He elaborated on this idea of suitcases, extending it to represent the prejudices that are ingrained in people. He expresses his dislike for how people define others, although admitting he himself can be guilty of stereotyping also. I believe this is an important moment in his story because it states the purpose for his writing, and creates strong connection to the world that readers are able to identify with.

Catcher in the Rye 9-10

Blog option two:

As Holden’s complex nature is continues to develop, it is revealed that his self-descriptions are somewhat inaccurate. He portrays himself as someone who is able to get whatever he wants, including cocktails at a bar, when in reality he isn’t. Holden’s overconfidence is shown when he states, “I ordered a Scotch and soda, and told him not to mix it-I said it fast as ---, because if you hem and haw, they think you’re under twenty-one and won’t sell you any intoxicating liquor” (Salinger 78). When the bartender refuses him the drink it is proven that Holden’s trick for appearing older is ineffective. The inconsistency between his perception and reality can cause the reader to question his reliability as a narrator.

In addition to being out of touch with himself, Holden is also out of touch with the world around him. He fails to realize that the girls at the Lavender Room did not take him seriously. He stated, “ I should have given them the freeze, after they did that, but the trouble was I really felt like dancing” (Salinger 78). This statement by Holden implies he believed he was above the girls, and was giving them an opportunity by continuing to pursue them. In reality, the giggling and disengagement of the girls in conversation with Holden show that they were not interested. This incident alludes to the fact that Holden is unaware of his surroundings and oblivious to much of the world around him.  

Holden’s characterization can relate to Romanticism and the value of imagination and emotions. His character possesses qualities unique to his individual. Holden’s constant annoyance with change relates to the concept of Romanticism where nature is unchanging. He appears to be on his own path to moral development, as he battles his emotions and copes with pain.