Survival: Only the Strong
A comparison of Tracks by Louise Erdrich and Salinger's Catcher in the Rye on the topic of survival.
Survival of the fittest is a key precept in any culture. Survival separates the strong from the weak. It is through survival an individual can grow, both psychologically and physically. It is a necessary feeling, all people have, the need to live, and the will to drive on. Survival is defined by www.dictionary.com is, ?living or continuing longer than?another person, thing, or event; an outliving? (Survival n.d.). From this definition one can only barely begin to comprehend what survival is, the rigorous obstacles that must be fought, and tribulations overcome. In both Jerome David Salinger?s The Catcher in the Rye and Louise Erdrich?s Tracks, survival is a key issue. Though the books seem different at first glance, they do contain many parallels. Though a time period of thirty years exists between the novels, the ideal of survival is static, never changing. In both novels, the main characters must endure many tough struggles, some of which damage them mentally and or physically. Throughout the novels they are isolated and victimized among many other things. Both Holden Caulfield from Salinger?s novel and the characters from Tracks experience very harsh environments in which they have to live under. ?Tracks, which we are told?[is] [s]et between 1912 and 1924, it evokes a brutal period of harsh winters, raging epidemics, famine and expropriation? (Tower 173). As one can clearly see this setting in which the characters exist in Tracks is nothing near perfect, they are subjected to these cruel things, sickness that wipes out families, and starvation that kill most of the tribe, how does one get through it? Survival, of course, this concept will enable them to do just that. Though Holden Caulfield is not subjected to as bad of conditions, he is in a stage of maturation, but all alone in the ?real? world. Anyone who has ever seen the way of the world knows one important thing, that life is not fair. Holden is mistreated by nearly everyone he encounters and society in general rejects him. In both Jerome David Salinger?s The Catcher in the Rye and in Louise Erdrich?s Tracks the idea of survival is exemplified through social, physical and emotional struggles.
Survival is shown by the social struggles the characters face throughout both Tracks and The Catcher in the Rye. These social struggles are mainly the result of victimization and isolation. The characters in both novels are subjected to many events causing their victimization. The suffering they experience results from their rejection and cruelty. In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield is rejected from society and it is because of this he is on his own in the first place. He even tries his best to talk to people he is just shunned away. In addition to social victimization Holden is also victimized in other ways as well. He is physically victimized; this is shown in the situation with the prostitute and pimp. They arrive at his door and say,
?[y]ou owe us five bucks.?
?I don?t owe you five bucks.?
?If you rough me up, I?ll yell like hell?leave me alone?[i]f you?d said ten, it?d be different.?
?Leave my wallet alone!?
?I awreddy got it.?
All of a sudden I started to cry?? [n]o, you?re no crooks?[y]ou?re just stealing five??
?Shut up,? old Maurice said, and gave me a shove. (Salinger 102-103)
Moreover, Holden is victimized by the unforgettable pair of Sunny, the prostitute and Maurice the pimp. This is one example of physical victimization that Holden Caulfield was being treated cruelly. This could have easily been avoided had he not opened the door, but he did anyway out of curiosity. Physical victimization is violence, only it usually results in psychological damage as well. This is seen when Holden just cannot take it, he has to cry. He feels betrayed and that the world is out to get him, perhaps it is. It seems that throughout the novel that Holden relies on the goodness in people, something that is not there in most of the cases, which he sees. It ends up backfiring on him and could have resulted in his demise, but it did not. When children are young they are taught, what does not kill an individual, makes that individual stronger. Such are the circumstances here. The victimization did not kill Holden, but it made him smarter and more aware of people?s bad side and that not everyone can be trusted. Gerald Rosen, an esteemed critic for American Quarterly writes, ?[o]f course, Maurice victimizes him here, because Holden allows himself to be victimized by virtually everyone who tries?he plays it safe by always losing?his scissors to Ackley, his coat to Stradlater, his sweater to James Castle, and so on? (547-62). Holden throughout the story is portrayed as somewhat of a sissy, not willing to fight he is more like a peace lover. Any time he does try to fight, as aforesaid he loses. One invaluable lesson many people learn throughout their lives is, that losing in a sense, is not always losing. Due to losing, Holden does not have to worry about anything but his own safety. If he were to win any of the fights he would have had to worry about the other person?s safety, a retaliatory act, or possible consequences for his actions taken against the other person. And therefore, by losing, Holden is ultimately able to survive through his physical struggles. This is how society victimizes him. He allows himself to be taken advantage of such is also the case when Holden allows Stradlater to take his coat, Holden really does not want to give up his coat, but he is kind of forced into it. As well as this victimization, Holden also experiences victimization from rejection. The people who are supposed to help him, be his friend, guide him, these people reject him. They verbally abuse him in many cases, which leads to his eventual breakdown. For example his friend Mr. Antolini says, ??[t]his fall I think you?re riding for?it?s a special kind of fall, a horrible kind?[t]he man falling isn?t permitted to feel or hear himself?[h]e just keeps falling and falling?? (Salinger 187). Here Holden is verbally victimized, he is harmed by these words from his mentor, from whom he is seeking guidance from, rejects him and tells him it is a lost cause. He says Holden is going down, and he will just keep going further and further down. In Holden?s last attempt to get back into society, Mr. Antolini, like most of society has done in the past to him, has rejected him. His rejection from the place he was trying to find direction and as one critic puts it, when his ?various efforts to establish communication with other people fail?, he must eventually return home to his parents (Engle 319). Paul Engle of the Chicago Sunday Tribune believes that not only is he being victimized by elders such as Mr. Antolini, he is also maltreated by his friends and society in general. It is found that Holden does not need to be the ?catcher in the rye? for he needs to be saved before he can save anyone else. Through his victimization Holden breaks down, however he does not perish. He is mentally and physically weakened, but in the end he manages to survive by overcoming these examples. Furthermore, his triumphs over victimization makes him strong enough to overcome his social struggles by which, Holden exhibits his survival.
Like in The Catcher in the Rye, in Tracks, Characters are also subjected to victimization, both from rejection and cruelty. Throughout the novel mixed-bloods are victimized as well as the Native Americans in general. They are in the middle, not liked by Indians nor the Whites, because they are not wholly either. The whites viewed them as not good enough, and the Native Americans viewed them as the one?s who benefited from their downfall. Like the Morisseys for example, they are an example of mixed-bloods that were profiting from buying of the land lost off others because the others were unable to pay taxes. Pauline being a mixed-blood herself was victimized, though not necessarily for the same reason. Pauline is even cruelly victimized by those most dear to her. Even Nanapush, the other narrator makes jokes at her expense. The other characters along with Nanapush, ?shared the old man?s secret jokes?Nanapush jabbed and laughed at my stumbling shuffle?he shot dart after dart of foolish questions and overcame my resistance? (Erdrich 146). Furthering this point is that Pauline underwent victimization from cruelty of others. This victimizing made Pauline a pariah in some ways, she was being singled out. That is what usually happens when one differs from the norm. When Pauline left, she abandoned most of the traditions of the Indians. This was in fact similar in some ways that Holden Caulfield ditched traditions in The Catcher in the Rye, he dropped the traditions of conforming as well as many other minor things. In addition to isolation, this victimization was just another thing blocking her way of life, one more thing to overcome, which she did. Eventually she gained back trust and tradition and was a strong person for it. As it has been established, mental strength is needed as much as physical strength for survival. And this mental strength when she eventually gained acceptance after enduring her victimization helped her survive. About the victimization that Pauline goes through a critic writes it is because,
Nanapush grows up Christian in a Jesuit school?but later chooses life in the woods and Chippewa tradition; the other narrarators, Pauline, is a mixed-blood raised in the Native American tradition, but she wishes to be white and eventually become a fanatical nun, constantly at war with the ?pagans? who had once been her relatives. (Larson 158)
Furthermore, interspersed between the dual narration, both narrators tell lies. They are very different people. Nanapush an aged elder is very respectful of his culture. Whereas Pauline, born a Native American, is discourteous towards the same culture. Once they were family, now they are near enemies. Nanapush victimizes her because of her insolence. Perhaps he is justified in doing so. Nonetheless, the victimization of Pauline is most likely a factor of her increasingly sadistic mind, however it makes her stronger. Being victimized does hurt an individual, but it also enables them to grow, they can become more aware. This awareness helps an individual in cases they may come across later. This victimization at first a hindrance eventually helps Pauline in her ultimate survival. Equally important to Pauline?s victimization from cruelty is the characters from the novel victimization from rejection. This victimizing was not placed solely on Pauline; it effected the entire clan. Native Americans today as much as yesterday are nearly ignored. The government places them on reservations and forgets about them, it borders racism. An example of this type of victimization is seen when, ?[t]his doctor was known to refuse Indians to our face, but did not dare say no to a priest? (Erdrich 168). This quote furthers the aforementioned idea of the ignorance towards Indians. This physician would not treat Indians; he made victims out of them. Therefore, since victimization is essentially making a victim of someone from a situation or event, and a victim is defined as, ?[o]ne who is harmed by another?, it is clearly seen that the Indians were in fact victimized (Victim n.d.). This harm encompasses physical and psychological pains. Both pains the characters in the novel experience. The Native Americans fight through these victimizations and become stronger for it. They prevailed over their victimization and by doing that they achieved survival. They lived longer than they would have if they did not, so it is clearly seen that they were survivors.
In addition to the victimization the characters in the novels go through, Pauline, from Tracks, and Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye both experience isolation. Isolation is essentially separation, being secluded. This is perhaps the hardest thing by which the characters have to endure. This survival through victimization could be viewed as overcoming obstacles, because in order to survive, one must first hurdle these obstacles. Not only must they survive, but by their lonesome. Both sets of characters receive this isolation from both society and family. In both books the characters are separated by different means from their families. Holden in The Catcher in the Rye is separated somewhat by his own will, he attends private school and has been living on his own for a part of his life. So people other than just his mother and father start to become his so called ?family.? Essentially anyone Holden views as guidance is considered his family, the people whom he seeks throughout the novel. It seems that ever since step one, Holden has been separated from everyone else. Even in the start of the novel, Holden is on a hill separated from the rest of his school that is at the football game. As Holden speaks to Spencer, a person who could be considered part of his ?family?, one who he seeks advice from, his isolation that he feels is exemplified,
?[l]ife is a game, boy?[l]ife is a game that one plays according to the rules.?
?[y]es sir?[i] know it.?
Game, my ass?[s]ome game?[i]f you get on the side where all the hot-shots are, then it?s a game, all right?I?ll admit that?[b]ut if you get on the other side, where there aren?t any hot-shots, then what?s a game about it?[n]othing?[n]o game. (Salinger 8)
Moreover, here Holden admits that he is on that ?other? side of the world, he is not with everyone else, and he despises it. His teacher and mentor is trying to tell him to play by the rules, something Holden has refused all of his life to do. He feels all alone and that he is victimized, but instead of talking through his problems he has a cynical defense mechanism that is his psychological shield. To further this point of the effects of isolation on Holden, a critic writes that, ?Holden exists on that other side?[i]n wilder moments he regards himself as a bulwark between the lost world of innocence and the phony world of adults? (Best 25). He is just going through a tough phase in his life, one that many people go through, however he is doing it alone. When children grow up, mostly they can rely on their family for help, be it their father, mother, or elder siblings. Because of Holden?s isolation from his family, he is unable to get the ?fatherly advice?, or ?motherly love? something that he needs throughout the book. It is because of the absence of these things he is unable to mature; he is seeking the things most people receive as a child, and is still waiting for them. Returning to the point of isolation he faced, this lack of guidance he receives can account for some of the psychological problems that he has. Problems on the topics of sex, violence, and many other things in which society takes for granted. These are all hindrances towards his survival making him work even harder. There is one solution however, one way by which Holden thinks he can stay alive, to go back to his family. With much delay, and debate in his head, he finally chooses to return home. This is one effect that isolation had on Holden Caulfield. In addition to this, Holden is faced with other problems stemming from isolation. Most of society feels the same way about Holden. The view of society is best shown in Stradlater?s dealing with Holden,
he asked me if I?d written his goddamn composition for him?[h]e walked over and read it while he was unbuttoning his shirt?[a]ll of a sudden, he said, ?For Chrissake, Holden???[y]ou always do everything backasswards???[n]o wonder you?re flunking the hell out of here???[y]ou don?t do one damn thing the way you?re supposed to???[i] mean it???[n]ot one damn thing.? (Salinger 41)
Simply seen here is a result of Holden?s isolation as well as a making of his isolation. Here, Stradlater obviously is trying to show Holden is isolated from society, he never does things the ?right way?, Holden is unique, and he feels as long as something is done, it is done. Holden as many people know is a non-conformist, he does not like to do things the way people tell him to, he has individuality similar to a child before the child is
turned into a drone of society. Even his own friend turns him away, screams at him and outcasts him, the opposite of what a friend should do. His ?odd? hat he gets also
exemplifies this individuality; it is a mark of his uniqueness. He wears something that no one else would because it makes him standout, and many people do not like the spotlight they would rather be in the dark doing what they have to do rather than risk choosing what they want to do. To further this point, one critic writes that throughout the novel Holden?s life is a ?game? and when he chooses for his friend?s report to write about his ?dead brother?s? glove, he shows his want for more, but his friends ?rejection? of this, shows Holden can never reenter society (Strauch 153). This critic?s opinion shows Holden?s rejection from society and thus his isolation. From the beginning to end of the novel he is horribly mistreated and goes through life as a pariah. Something that may contribute to this is his anarchical ideas, his rebelliousness. Most people in society, one may believe all people for that matter are conformists, when one does not conform to the ideas society puts out as facts, they are treated as social outcasts, heretics of sorts. This is precisely what Holden is, he does not simply conform to the ideas set forth by society. For example, Holden fails out of school, he does not try. Throughout the book it is made clear that he is not uneducated it is simply his thoughts towards school that prohibit his passing, he does not feel the same way most people do. He does not believe that he needs to go to school in order to be smart, and though most kids do not like to do homework they do it because they conform, however Holden does not. This ties in with the aforementioned information of his unwillingness to mature. His isolation is one social
struggle that he must get through on his own, therefore it is harder. Being away from everyone and everything mentally and physically is hard, more so when one has not
another individual to seek for help. So, in The Catcher in the Rye, Holden?s isolation is yet another thing through which he must survive. And by living through his isolation, it is obviously seen that The Catcher in the Rye demonstrates survival.
Similarly the isolation Holden experiences, The characters from Tracks do too. The Native Americans in general are separated from both society, and some of the characters are separated from family as well. Even in today?s society Native Americans still are separated, such as on an Indian Reservation. One of the main characters in Tracks and one of the two narrarators, Pauline experiences isolation away from her family. Not only was it by her choosing. It seems that throughout the book that the mixed-bloods were isolated themselves as a whole. Pauline just takes it one step further, she left them. In some ways this separation a necessary for her to be able to survive. She must get away from the harsh environment of which she currently lives. For example Pauline?s isolation is shown when she is trying to find food she asks, ?[y]ou wouldn?t have a little scrap to eat?[i] have no family?[i] am alone and have no land?[w]here else would I got but to the nuns? (Erdrich 142). Moreover this quote shows that Pauline being a mixed-blood was isolated. And unlike others around her she was fully Christian. Because Pauline left her family Fleur and Eli, the only people who were actually nice to her were betrayed. This isolation from family made it hard on Pauline. She did not have the help of her family in this case similarly to Holden Caulfield. The importance of family is seen here again. After a short talk eventually Pauline was forgiven. Though she had no loyalty of her own, her family had loyalty towards her. It is this loyalty that saves Pauline from ultimate isolation, and allows her to survive from starvation, thus living longer. Diana Wilson, a prominent writes agrees that ?loyalties? play a large role in Tracks, without the ?loyalty? to one another there is no was they would be able to survive (n.d.). The isolation Pauline had undergone probably would have been her demise. As she said she had no where else to go, she would have most likely died from starvation. However, because of the faithfulness of family, Pauline overcame her isolation problems and survived. Furthermore, the characters are in fact isolated from society. In a depiction of the characters location Nanapush says, ?[o]n the reservation, where we were forced close together, the clans dwindled?[o]ur tribe unraveled like a coarse rope, frayed at either end as the old and new among us were taken? (Erdrich 2). As seen by this quote, the Native Americans where put onto their ?reservation? and during that time the clans die. Their clan in specific is also referred to having lost members, many people died regardless of their age. This is what their isolation caused. Out on the reservation they do not have an emergency room unit, paramedics, or anything of the sort one may find while being in the interior of the country. This isolation is yet another brick in the wall, another thing that group would have to overcome. But dissimilarly from The Catcher in the Rye, these people got to go through isolation from society as a clan, together. In the quote it mentions that they ?were forced close together?, the family had to come together, help one another out in order to keep going. This is how survival is seen, with the strength of the family they were able to overcome the problems they faced of expropriation, plague, and malnourishment. A critic in agreement with this states that even through ?starvation? and ?loss of land? the ?Indian? people were able to survive, this shows the immense strength of their culture and though many of them did die, they still lived on (Larson 157). In accordance with the aforementioned, the critic obviously agrees that through all these dreadful events, the main characters were able to survive due to the strength of their culture. Perhaps this is why the Native Americans are known so well for their family and traditions. They are much closer together than most other types of common families in America. They hold their traditions most dear and are better for it. Their heritage is what enables them to survive, the Native Americans have fought many hard battles and still remain standing. Therefore, through family the Native Americans were able to overcome their social struggle of isolation, and through overcoming isolation they exemplify survival.
Violence and sexuality both play vital roles in both of the novels. Violence is an underlying theme throughout the whole of The Catcher in the Rye, it is repeated many times throughout. Violence is a physical struggle, one many people go through. Violence ranges from harmless punches to fist fought brawls, and in Salinger?s novel, Holden is subjected to such things. For example, when Holden sees Stradlater and they argue for a little, Stradlater ?really let one go at [him], and the next thing [he] knew, [he] was on the goddamn floor again?my nose was bleeding all over the place? (Salinger 45). As seen in this quote, Holden has to go through a violent situation, which is somewhat funny. He somewhat instigated the fight, but later goes onto say that he is a ?pacifist? (Salinger 56). Violence is overtly seen here, Stradlater, one of Holden?s friends, beat him up. During this altercation Holden almost wishes he was dead, but he gets up and shakes it off. Violence ruins lives, it contributes to what many people could agree on, a large part of deaths. Murder, rape, as well as many other things result due to violence. In addition to the physical effects violence can have on someone violence can also have many psychological effects. It often causes resentment and hatred of another person or thing. Violence is not something one can choose to be away from, it is something thrust upon another individual, and Holden though not totally violent in nature himself must still overcome the adversity violence has put him through. He must fight back, it is the natural feeling he has, he must continue, he must survive. So he does, he overcomes this violence and conquers his physical struggles therefore showing he lived longer than he could have. By doing that, he exhibits the concept of survival. One critic believes that, violence is an underlying thing repeated throughout the novel as well as the repetition of ?killing.? This Word has both bad denotative and connotative definitions and it is a miracle that Holden, whom underwent so many ?physical and psychological terror[s]? has been able to survive (Strauch 160). When one sits and thinks about it, it is pretty amazing that Holden, a child unwilling to mature is able to survive on his own through some very tough times. ?Killing? is repeated as aforementioned several times throughout the novel, like when Holden wanted to ?kill? Stradlater, and when Holden figured his dad would soon find out he was going to get kicked out of school, he was going to ?kill? him. Any violence that comes from Holden is a result from the suppression of it he has. Everyone person gets angry at least once in their life, but most people know how to rid themselves of it, a lesson taught by one?s parents. So the lack of his parent?s guidance could contribute to why Holden never strikes back. It is interesting to note that in the fight between Stradlater and Holden, Holden is unable to make a fist, thereby again not allowing him to exert his anger. It is ironic that because of this, in large part Holden is able to survive. If he had swung at Stradlater with all his might, perhaps Stradlater would have pummeled him continually until his death, stranger things have happened. In summation due to Holden?s suppression of anger making him stronger and fiery, with his will to move forth, he survives out in society. Violence again is shown toward the center of the book when Holden encounters a prostitute named Sunny. The prostitute and her pimp try to make Holden pay more than he should have had to, and one can guess what happens from there, a fight breaks out. Maurice the pimp, ?snapped his finger very hard on my pajamas?I won?t tell you where he snapped it, but it hurt like hell?I was still sort of crying?[t]hen he smacked me? (Salinger 103). Yet another violent meeting for Holden, not only is he cheated out of money, but he receives a nice beating as well. All in another day of the life of Holden Caulfield. Holden believes that some of the violence he is accustomed to comes from the big screen, the movie theater. Similarly to the ideals of the present time, many people believe that films which individuals view can greatly effect his or her views and thoughts. Someone brought up around violence is more likely to be violent him or herself than someone raised in a peaceful environment. Correspondingly to movies, one who watches violent movies is more likely to be more aggressive than someone who watches drama movies or comedies is. All these things contribute to the way one deals with situations in which they must make critical decisions. A prominent censor writes that violence is something Holden has, and somewhat likes. Throughout the story for example he encounters many violent people and because he too is violent they often exchange blows. It brings out Holden?s violent nature as well as showing what all the films he did to him, ??[t]hey can ruin you?[i]?m not kidding?? (Strauch 157). Though this may not make too much sense to a person who never read the book, anyone who has knows Holden has been to well over his fair share of movies throughout his life. Violence brings out another prevalent theme in the novel, adolescence. When someone thinks of violence, it is usually referring to something ?childish?, because before one matures fighting solves problems not words. There again it is seen, his unwillingness to mature. However, violence is a key object one needs to have in order to survive. Life does not always just let everyone go on, one must sometimes fight in order to move forth because life is not always easy. So, essentially violence is a necessity to survival, one that Holden experiences and demonstrates through his survival.
As it was demonstrated in The Catcher in the Rye, violence is also shown in Tracks. In some respect violence occurs usually between people of opposite views, however it is similar views that cause violence, the want for one thing. In a racist and prejudice world, it is hard to survive. This holds especially true for those residing in a minority such as the Native Americans in Tracks. When one is raised by a family that is a minority, they often have to be taught different lessons. For example, a Native American family living in a land where their property is being taken from them time and again, these people must learn to fight. When others impose on their individual human rights, they must stand up and take those rights back. Like in The Catcher in the Rye violence is a very prevailing theme. Though the violence in Tracks is somewhat dissimilar. It is perhaps more violent. For example survival of characters is shown in a fight with Morrissey, ?[a]s for Clarence [Morissey], he had all he could do to wrestle me to the ground and knock me half unconscious?then sighed, rose and smashed me? (Erdrich 112). Furthering this point, violence is seen very overtly throughout the novel. Violence stops most people from surviving, it is usually violence where people meet their demise. It is in violence that one can see how strong someone actually is. Strength, physical and mental strength determines in most cases whether an individual will live, or die. Through physical struggles such as this, one can grow and learn. They can assess themselves based on how they fought, did they or did they not do well? Well in this example the character is knocked ?half unconscious?, that is pretty severe considering the character was just being wrestled to the ground. This quote is referring to Nanapush, one of the two narrarators of the story and by him telling the story it is quite obvious that he survived the entirety. Nanapush was a real survivor. Going through violence allowed him to test how strong he was, and he found he had the necessary strength. By using this strength Nanapush was able to survive. A critic writes that, ?Erdrich sets up the Morisseys as an example of those who have profited by buying allotments others have lost to taxes? ?[t]hey were well-off people, mixed bloods who profited from acquiring allotments that many old Chippewa did not know how to keep?? (Larson 159). So this is where the violence is coming from. This quote was about hard feelings between the two groups due to the Morisseys and Lazarres purchasing lands off of poor Indians. Resentment and hatred grow from such events as it is seen clearly here. It has been found that events such as these did actually occur, and that Louise Erdrich did not embellish upon the facts. This can be seen true as actions like these have been written about in many other Native American novels. Equally important was the violence with the more ferocious character, Lazarre. Additionally to the abovementioned example, Lazarre also introduces violence in Tracks, ?Lazarre raised his fist, swung it casually and tapped my face?[t]hen he shook himself angrily and drew a razor from his jacket?Lazarre had sliced Margaret?s braids clean off and now he was shaving the rest of her scalp? (Erdrich 113-115). Again, the topic of violence presents itself in the novel. This fight between Lazarre and Margaret was nearly the death of her. But having Nanapush at her side, she was able to remain fearless and present herself as daunting. This appearance was enough to get her through and allow her and Nanapush to live. Though violence has many negative effects, in some cases violence shows good things as well. Things such as love, loyalty, and instinct. In this event, all of the above were shown, Nanapush admits his love for Margaret, and they both show loyalty to one another and instinct under perilous conditions. Surviving incidents such as this do not always have to come from one single individual, in some cases it has been said that one?s family can help when an individual is in a time of need such as this. One critic agrees in writing that the only real way the characters in Tracks were able to survive was through the spirit of ?family? (Larson 157). In brief, Native Americans heritage relies a lot on family. Their family, or clan has stuck together for many years and passed through many generations. This close bond, these loyalties to one another help each member out. Knowing Margaret was right beside Nanapush and vice versa was a big momentum builder, for one can not survive, if one has nothing to live for. Without purpose there is no life. Therefore, because of family and going through violence Nanapush and several other characters were about to overcome physical struggles and survive. Thus, because of loyalty to each other, the characters were able to overcome violence. Through violence the characters were able to become strong and gain a better sense of self and conquer other physical struggles. And by triumphing over these physical struggles the characters of Louise Erdrich?s Tracks were in fact able to demonstrate the concept of survival.
As well as violence, sexuality and maturation play extremely important functions in the two novels. Sexuality, is one?s sexual disposition. Holden at first comes off as a somewhat sexually experienced person, however that is later found to be quite untrue. His sexuality reflects his maturity. Holden displays his sexuality with Sally Hayes. He wants to have children without actually ?making? them. While talking to her while out on a date, they speak, and Holden offers a bazaar idea. He wants to run away and get married to her. He thinks they should move to Massachusetts and Vermont. But he then mentions the possibility of marriage and living together, as well as a possible sexual relationship between them, however Sally shrieks at this idea and tells Holden to ?stop screaming? and calm down, and that they could not live together (Salinger 132). This is yet another attempt from Holden to flee society. He wants to take along with him Sally, as he is trying to save her from the harshness of society that he has undergone. It demonstrates his trouble growing in the society in which he lives as he believes if he goes elsewhere perhaps then he will be able to ?grow up.? This conversation shows Holden?s lack of self-control, irrational thinking, and sexual immaturity, all showing his adolescence. This quote aforesaid also shows that he does want children, but it is later found that he does not want to have sex. His sexuality is one thing that Holden had to overcome in order to grow, which he did a little by the end of the story. By rising above his sexuality with Sally Hayes, he displays survival. Though Holden has trouble on the topic of sex, this could in some ways be contributed to the actual author, Salinger. One critic writes that, ?[t]he ?sexlessness? of Salinger?s world has often been noticed?[h]is attitude toward sex?[is] not so much of a fear or hatred of sex in itself, as [it is] of a detestation of sexual promiscuity? (French 297). So according to this, this ?sexlessness? is prevalent in other works by Salinger as well. This fear of sex is seen in both cases of Holden?s sexual experiences, both with the prostitute and with Sally Hayes. In the case with the prostitute he chooses not to have sex, out of fear. Fear of growing up and the act itself, his nervousness. In the situation with Sally, his fear is seen by his want to be a defensive parent without sexual contact. In addition to the example with Sally, Holden also shows sexuality in talking to the prostitute named Sunny. He does not really want to have sex, and his encounter with the prostitute really shows it. He says that, ?[i] just wanted to get it over with??[i] don?t feel very much like myself tonight?[i]?ve had a rough night?but do you mind very much if we don?t do it?[d]o you mind very much?? (Salinger 95-96). This quote from his conversation with Sunny demonstrates his sexual inexperience by his nervousness as well as his respect for women. He believed that he was ready for his first sexual encounter. He had invited a prostitute up to his hotel room, but while he was waiting for her to show up, he began to realize that he might have made a big mistake. He wanted to retain his innocence, as well as the innocence of others. That is one of his main goals in the story, to be a savior of innocence. Such is the case when he states his want to be the ?catcher in the rye?, he wants to save innocence. This can also be seen when he wants to remove the profane graffiti from view of the children?s eyes. One critic agrees that, ?Holden is still clinging to the vestiges of innocence, ?[i]?ve had quite a few opportunities to lose my virginity and all, but I?ve never got around to it yet? while at the same time trying to penetrate the sophisticated world of adults?to some
extent [he is] bemused by the grown-up milieu of sex? (Best 25). Here, Alastair Best agrees that Holden is trying to keep his innocence, and therefore his virginity. Holden
views that sex is the passage from the world of adolescence to the ?sophisticated world of adults.? Again bringing up the maturation seen so often in this story. Something that can be seen in the situation with the prostitute is actually somewhat ?grown-up? of him. This is a good thing one would think, an adolescent turning down sex, it shows the readiness to accept responsibility for his feelings. He treats her with a degree of respect. When he asks her if maybe they do not have to ?do it? he is being polite, more polite then most of his friends as well as most teenagers are towards women. Nonetheless the child in him never washed out, but he was able to control his sexual feelings, he was beginning to adapt, something he needed to be able to do to conquer his physical struggles. He had to grow physically and mentally in order to make it out in the ?real world.? The two aforementioned quotes emphasize Holden?s fear and uneasy feelings about sex and women in general. Holden?s slow maturation through his sexuality enables him to triumph over his physical struggles and by doing that, he demonstrates his survival.
Furthering the idea of sexuality, it is also found in the novel Tracks. Like in The Catcher in the Rye, sexuality is seen often throughout the novel. It is yet another physical struggle, which they have to overcome and do overcome in order to survive. The sexuality is most associated with the two characters in Tracks, Eli and Sophie. Sophie and Eli were together as Pauline watched. It was here that Eli, ?pulled her [Sophie?s] hips against him?Sophie shuddered, her eyes rolled to the whites?[s]he screamed God?s name and blood showed at her lip?[t]hen she laughed? (Erdrich 84). This quote exhibits Sophie?s sexuality. This event made use of witchcraft. It is supposedly the doing of Pauline. She is said to have bewitched the two into having this affair. Pauline was using them like puppets, for selfish reasons. This is also the belief of a high-quality critic, he believes that Pauline wanted Eli to herself (Larson 161). This attempt is eventually given up, as she lets the two go from her ?spell.? This sexuality could have proved to be the death of one or all of the characters involved. However, surprising with Pauline?s help, they were able to prevail over this struggle. They lived longer for it. It is interesting that Pauline decided to let them live as she is often linked to death and her decision contradicts that prevalent theme. Furthering the point, in the abovementioned example Sophie and Eli were coming together, ?[s]he was naked underneath, as always, when it was hot?[s]he bent, then pressed her bare self to his chest, [h]e pass his tongue over her lips?[t]hey fell onto each other? (Erdrich 83-84). This act was part of a bewitching, magic. The she referred to is Sophie, and by doing this Eli is being unfaithful to his girl, Fleur. Though Fleur and Eli have already developed a relationship, and Fleur finds out, Eli is still able to survive this dreadful turn of events. This struggle is a physical one, one that he does not win, but does not ultimately lose either. He ends up back with Fleur showing their true love for each other. By conquering this sexuality and overcoming this one physical struggle, the characters exhibit the idea of survival. In addition to this, according to one critic,
the secret of Erdrich?s success is the way she spins the straw of conventional women?s romance novels into the gold of literature?she is able to write about erotic matters convincingly from a male point of view?she does it, or they do it, [in] the scene in which Eli Kashpaw and the nymphet Sophie Morrissey are bewitched into having sex. (Disch 170)
Furthermore, this quote shows that Eli and Sophie were bewitched into having sex. In addition the sexuality of the aforementioned quote was written from a male point of view, which for Louise Erdrich, being a woman did not prove hard. In any case, Eli was able to survive through this and live with Fleur. Together, Fleur and Eli, as well as Sophie rise above this sexuality and overcome this physical struggle, thereby demonstrating the act of survival.
In summation through social, physical, and emotional struggles the concept of survival was demonstrated in J.D. Salinger?s The Catcher in the Rye, and in Louise Erdrich?s Tracks. Through both the characters physical, emotional, and psychological growth they were able to mature and survive. They were able to live through victimization, isolation, violence, sexuality, rebellious behavior, and suffering psyches. Their growth and development showed the ability for adaptation and change, something that is needed in order to live on. Even in callous conditions they were able to accomplish this feat. Therefore, a lesson learned from these two novels could be that anyone with a strong will to live on can overcome any obstacle placed in their way. Survival in the end is just what it is, surviving, living longer than one was expected to live. If a person with mental defects can do it such as Holden Caulfield anyone can. And if a person who lives in the environment that the characters in Tracks had to live in, survival is a viable option for anyone. Do not give up, continue on and live. This ideal of survival was not one that lasted only a short period of time, it can still be seen today. Every single day in the news is another story about an amazing rescue, an astonishing recovery, or something of that nature. All these people can truly call themselves the strong, for they are survivors and have achieved survival.
