Bananafish, J.d. Salinger

Throughout the book, “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” by J.D. Salinger, the inability to communicate is seen during the entire novel between Muriel Glass and her mother as well as between Muriel Glass and Seymour Glass. This is supported by the random and sporadic dialogue between the two groups, leaving readers confused. The inability to communicate between Muriel and her mother is seen in the dialogue when it seems that they don't acknowledge what the other person says, half-heartedly trying to comfort the other without truly communicating. Also, there is little to no communication between Muriel and Seymour because throughout the entire novel they do not exchange any words with each other at all, which is strange since they are married to each other. The lack of communication between Muriel and mother is displayed throughout the entire novel. For example, Muriel's mother and Muriel are talking over the phone and say, “I've been worried to death about you. Why haven't you phoned? Are you all right? I tried to get to you last night and the night before. The phone here's been--. Are you all right, Muriel?” (Salinger 2). This excerpt of when Muriel is talking with her mom shows that Muriel's mother never accepts Muriel's word that she is safe, which may display her mother's lack of trust in her and Seymour. Also their lack of communication is seen once again through their chat over the phone when they are both talking and say, “He drove? Muriel, you gave me your word of-- Mother, the girl interrupted, I just told you. He drove very nicely. Under fifty the whole way, as a matter of fact” (Salinger 2). In contrast to before, when Muriel's mother never accepts Muriel's reassurances that she is safe, this time Muriel shakes off her mother's worries by betraying her trust and having Seymour drive her to her Florida Hotel Room. This clearly exemplifies the lack of