J. D. Salinger’s “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” artfully uses figurative language throughout the story to create a dark depiction of the struggles and hardships present in Seymour’s life. Although little is revealed regarding Seymour’s time spent fighting the war, the effects of it are evident. Both Seymour’s mental and physical distance from society are made clear through the use of imagery and symbolism. The stark contrast between Seymour’s colorless complexion and the bright sandy beach with blue water not only shows Seymour’s physical distance, but also his mental separation and isolation. Seymour’s physical distance from his loved ones creates an even bigger mental gap separating him from the world around him. Although Seymour’s bananafish tale comes across as silly and childlike, a closer analysis reveals a surprising similarity between Seymour and the bananafish he describes. Seymour recounts the bananafish as stuck in a hole and overwhelmed, but it seems as if this describes Seymour himself. Although Seymour has a stable relationship with his wife, their lack of communication only increases his internal isolation. J. D. Salinger’s “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” depicts the life of a troubled man who suffers from psychological effects of war, alienation from society and an apathetic wife, and his struggles ultimately lead to his surprising end. 

In the beginning of the story readers are introduced to Muriel Glass, Seymour’s wife who is evidently fixated on a materialistic world. But it’s Muriel’s conversation with her mother that reveals the extent of Seymour’s psychological affliction. His dangerous behavior is first brought to light when Muriel’s safety is questioned due to Seymour’s driving, then several of his ill-mannered comments are mentioned. Yet when Seymour’s service in the Army and time in the hospital are revealed, his previous behavior seems almost justified. It’s as if his time in the army is an explanation for his past transgressions. “Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a well known condition that can develop after a person has experienced a traumatic event” (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder). After looking at the symptoms of this disorder, it’s fairly obvious that Seymour is a carrier of this condition. “Most people who experience a traumatic event will have reactions that may include shock, anger, nervousness, fear, and even guilt” (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder). When young Sybil Carpenter first walks up to Seymour on the beach, he’s lying down covered by his robe with a towel over his face. His first reaction to her voice is not to reply with a friendly hello, but to re-cover himself with the robe and uncover his eyes. He then replies with a small gesture “Hey. Hello, Sybil” (6). Seymour’s reaction to Sybil can easily be taken as nervousness, which is a symptom of PTSD. Later in the story, Seymour kisses the arch of Sybil’s foot; she then gives a shocked reply, and turns in the other direction. When the two return to the shore, Seymour offers an apology. His reaction to this event can be taken as guilt. Having such guilt to a small mishap can also be taken as a symptom of PTSD. Finally, Seymour shows anger in the elevator on the way to his room. He shouts rude comments at a stranger for seeming to look at his feet. Possessing such misplaced anger is yet again, a symptom of PTSD. 

Seymour’s mental and physical distance from the world around him are made clear through the use of imagery and symbolism throughout the story. The stark contrast between Seymour’s pale complexion and the colorful beach with the bright sand and blue water not only show Seymour’s physical distance, but also his mental separation. It’s also evident that Seymour’s isolation is by choice rather than force. Although he’s with Muriel on vacation, it seems they spend little time together. He spends time at the beach while he knows she prefers being indoors, and he chooses to play the piano instead of having a drink at the bar with his wife. His isolation is also shown in a small interaction with Sybil. He attempts to compliment her nice blue bathing suit, because it is like the one he is wearing, but she quickly corrects him, saying it’s yellow instead of blue. Although this interaction is small and can be easily overlooked, their bathing suits color difference demonstrates that Seymour’s distance from society is not only mental, but physical as well. Seymour’s physical distance from his loved ones creates an even bigger mental gap separating him from the world around him.

Although Seymour seems to have a stable relationship with his wife, their lack of communication only increases his internal isolation. His mental and physical gap are made clear throughout the story, yet Muriel does not make an effort to help him during his transition from a warzone into everyday society. During the conversation with her mother in the beginning of the story, Muriel and her mother discuss Seymour as if he were a problem they had to deal with, rather than a family member they care for. While Seymour’s bananafish tale comes across as silly and childlike, a closer analysis reveals a striking similarity between Seymour and the bananafish he describes. Seymour recounts the bananafish as stuck in a hole and overwhelmed, but it seems as if this describes Seymour himself. It’s possible the “hole” he is stuck in is life, and he feels overwhelmed with having to deal with so many emotions all on his own. Dealing with emotions such as anger, guilt and loneliness can lead to a sense of feeling overwhelmed, and in Seymour’s case, it did. Perhaps if Seymour had a strong family support system, the story may have ended differently. 

J. D. Salinger’s “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” uses figurative language throughout the story to create a portrait of the struggles and hardships present in Seymour’s life. It tells the tale of a troubled man who suffers from psychological effects of war, alienation from society and an apathetic wife, and his struggles ultimately lead to his surprising end.
