The Bounds of Society Cripple Those Who Dare to be Different: Comparing "Seven People Dancing" and "A Perfect Day for Bananafish" Anonymous College

Although sometimes minute details are as they appear, in the short stories “Seven People Dancing” by Langston Hughes and “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” by J. D. Salinger the minute details paint a larger picture of social alienation. Through the analysis of names, numbers and imaginary creatures, it will be found that characters who differ from societal expectations suffer social isolation and a lack of interest in life. Ultimately, the farther Seymour and Marcellous stray from societal expectations, the unhappier they are.

The names of the main characters in both short stories indicate their emotional state. In “A Perfect Day for Bananafish”, the main character’s name is, “Seymour” (Salinger 1). The name Seymour means, “marshy land near the sea” (“Seymour - Baby Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity | Nameberry”). Marshes are slow-moving, muddy waters. This visual imagery represents Seymour’s cloudy and muddled mind. In a society where men are expected to be clear-headed and decisive, Seymour’s mental state sets him apart from the norm, a dangerous place to be. Similarly, in, “Seven People Dancing”, the main character’s name is, “Marcellous” (Hughes 3). In Latin, the name means, “pledged to Mars” (“Marcellus- Pledged to Mars.,...