DIALOGUE AND CHARACTER INTERACTION AS A TOOL FOR THEMATIC EXPLORATION IN J.D.SALINGER'S WORKS
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Abstract
This article examines the pivotal role of dialogue and character interaction as a narrative device for thematic development in the literary works of J.D. Salinger. Best known for The Catcher in the Rye and his Glass family stories, Salinger employs intimate, often disjointed conversations to uncover complex psychological and existential themes. Through an analysis of key exchanges—such as Holden Caulfield’s confrontational and reflective dialogues, or the spiritually charged conversations between Seymour Glass and his siblings—the study highlights how Salinger’s characters reveal internal conflicts, societal critiques, and quests for authenticity. By exploring the tension, subtext, and emotional nuance in these interactions, the article argues that Salinger uses dialogue not merely for realism or plot advancement, but as a profound lens into alienation, innocence, and the human desire for connection. Ultimately, this approach underscores Salinger’s mastery in crafting emotionally resonant narratives where what is said—and left unsaid—carries powerful thematic weight.
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References
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