JD Salinger, author of The Catcher in the Rye, 1951. Photograph: AP
J. D. Salinger died this week at the age of 91. That news item brought back a vivid memory from my freshman English class in the fall of 1961. It is one of the stronger of many lasting memories from my days at Wabash.
Robert Harvey read to the class one of Salinger’s short stories, “For Esmé with Love and Squalor.” He narrated the complete story over the course of two class periods–unhurriedly, with a clear, sonorous voice, with just the right amount of inflection to make the narrative interesting without being over-dramatic. He did not interrupt the story to add emphasis or critique. The only interruptions were occasional puffs from his cigarette.
I remember thinking initially that I would rather just read the story myself. But, after a few minutes I relaxed and recognized that this was great theater, that I was witnessing something remarkable and memorable.
I don’t remember much about the short story but I can clearly picture Robert Harvey’s narration of it. In the 1980s I bought Salinger’s “Nine Stories” and read “For Esmé with Love and Squalor.” The story was not better when I read it myself.
In a recent issue of Wabash Magazine, I saw a picture of Robert Harvey’s daughter. I regret that I never told Mr. Harvey how much I enjoyed his class and his reading of that Salinger story. It would please me if his daughter would see this memory and read what a lasting impression her father made on one 18-year old kid. Mr. Harvey’s love of literature, his teaching style, his authoritative bearing, his voice–all contributed to an enjoyable and entertaining semester of English and a lifelong love of books.
This post was submitted by Don Schmidt, Class of '65.
J D Salinger and his writing will be missed.
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