Explain Paul Kessler in 500 words
Paul Kessler is a fictional character created by author J.D. Salinger in his novel "Franny and Zooey." Although Paul Kessler does not appear as a physical character in the novel, he plays a significant role in the story through his letters and his impact on the protagonist, Franny Glass.
Paul Kessler is a college student at Yale University, and he is the boyfriend of Franny Glass, the younger sister of Zooey Glass, who is the central character of the novel. Despite not making an actual appearance, Paul is a central figure in Franny's life, and his letters serve as a catalyst for her emotional and existential crisis.
In the novel, Paul is portrayed as a highly intelligent and ambitious individual. He is described as a talented actor and a charismatic person. Through his letters, it becomes evident that he is deeply committed to his acting career and is determined to succeed in the competitive world of theater. His passion for his craft is evident in his words, and he often shares his experiences and aspirations with Franny.
Paul's influence on Franny is significant. In his letters, he encourages her to pursue her own passions and dreams, urging her to find her true purpose in life. His words inspire her to question her own beliefs and values, leading her to embark on a spiritual journey in search of meaning and enlightenment.
Paul's letters also reveal his deep love and affection for Franny. He expresses his longing to be with her, his admiration for her intelligence and beauty, and his desire to support her in her personal and academic endeavors. His words serve as a source of comfort and encouragement for Franny, especially during her moments of self-doubt and confusion.
Despite his positive influence on Franny, Paul is not without his flaws. In one of his letters, he reveals a certain level of arrogance and self-importance, which Franny finds off-putting. This revelation challenges Franny's perception of him and forces her to question the authenticity of their relationship.
Throughout the novel, Paul's absence becomes increasingly noticeable. Franny longs for his physical presence and craves his emotional support, but he remains distant and unattainable. This absence further fuels Franny's existential crisis, as she grapples with her own identity and the meaning of love and relationships.
In conclusion, Paul Kessler is a fictional character in J.D. Salinger's "Franny and Zooey." Although he does not physically appear in the novel, his presence is felt through his letters and his impact on Franny Glass. Paul is portrayed as an intelligent and ambitious individual, deeply committed to his acting career. His letters serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement for Franny, but also reveal his flaws and the complexities of their relationship. Overall, Paul Kessler's character adds depth and complexity to the narrative, contributing to the exploration of themes such as love, identity, and the pursuit of meaning in life.