Frank and Paula Hincher, “Paula” or “Mrs. Hincher”
This story may be found under its original title, “Paula” or its later transformation into “Mrs. Hincher.” Whether referred to by name or as the husband of Frank, Salinger has called it his only attempt to write a horror story. And it is pretty horrific: Paula forbids her husband from entering the bedroom as her pregnancy is carried to term and the birth is given. Finally, however, Frank burst in to see what has become of the baby only to be confronted by the sight of his wife, alone and naked as a baby curled up inside the crib. Then comes the ironic conclusion in which one of the two is sent to an insane asylum.
Arthur, Joanie and Lee, “Pretty Mouth and Green My Eyes”
Arthur calls his best friend Lee to tell him that his wife is missing and convey some other rather personal and potentially humiliating details. They hang up and it is revealed that the missing wife, Joanie, has been with Lee the whole time. A short time later, Arthur calls again to relieve his friend’s concern: Joanie has returned home safe and sound. Lee looks over at Joanie.
Holden Caulfield, “Slight Rebellion Off Madison”
Yes, that Holden Caulfield although, well, not really. A few years before the appearance of Catcher in the Rye, Holden shows up in this story. The story itself would eventually also show up in the famous novel, but with differences. The most significant difference between this Holden and the famous one is that here he is both more normally romantic while also—defying all odds—even more whiny.
Elaine Cooney, “Elaine”
Elaine is absolutely beautiful; a real stunner. She is also what the “experts” at the time as “slow” but which meant mentally retarded. The story is a slice of life about Elaine’s sexual awakening and gradually it becomes clear that—though he doubtlessly did not know it since the story was published in 1945—Salinger was writing a story about autism. Elaine does not fit the usual requirements for being categorized as “slow” but she consistently exhibits traits now commonly associated with the autistic spectrum. Where Elaine would fit on that spectrum is a question for the experts of today, but the story is fascinating nonetheless because of the retroactive spin which can be placed on it.
Holden Caulfield, “I’m Crazy”
Yup, Holden again. This story also features a slightly different character from the anti-hero made famous in the novel. This Holden seems a bit more rueful, less whiny than the guy in "Slight Rebellion Off Madison" and more willing to compromise. He also has another sister besides the charming Phoebe. Viola, alas, did not make the transition from short fiction to long fiction. Much of the material did, however, as it constitutes a kind of first draft for the opening chapters of Catcher in the Rye. Another significant departure from his slight rebellion is that this story feels much more like the Holden of the novel because, unlike the other story, it is narrated in the first person by Holden.
