So to me and probably many other people the word "Teddy" is comforting because of its nickname for Teddy Bear. In the story Teddy, Salinger gave the main character the nickname Teddy and named the story Teddy as well. I'm wondering if the kid Teddy should be seen as comforting in the beginning and middle of the story when he is with his parents and talking about religion and his beliefs with Nicholson, or if Salinger is using the word sarcastically. Teddy could be seen as helping Nicholson and his parents during their talks, but he also can be seen as annoying and slightly brainwashing them. By the end of the story Teddy kind of seems scary which gives evidence to Salinger using his sarcastic side.
What do you guys think? Is Teddy used as a comfort word in the story, or is Salinger giving it a new connotation?
-Shira
I think the name "Teddy" is used to portray the fact that the character is still a young child. When Teddy is speaking, especially towards the end, it's easy to forget that he is just a child. The name "Teddy," evoking the popular stuffed animal and the idea that an innocent child needs protection, reminds us that Teddy still needs protection and a sense of safety as well.
ReplyDeleteI might be kind of alone in this but I didn't find Teddy scary at the end. I found him really fascinating; his insights into Americans and people in general and the analogy of the "apple" were very interesting.