SOURCE: "J. D. Salinger and the Russian Pilgrim," in The Greek Orthodox Theological Review, Vol. VIII, Nos. 1 & 2, Summer-Winter, 1962-1963, pp. 111-26.

In the following excerpt, Panichas determines the role played in Salinger's novella by the Russian text, The Way of a Pilgrim, maintaining that it provides a fuller understanding of the struggle and eventual enlightenment experienced by both Franny and Zooey.

Critical estimates of J. D. Salinger's Franny and Zooey invariably contain brief references to the profound influence made on Franny by a little book of Russian Orthodox spirituality, The Way of a Pilgrim. It is obvious that Salinger attaches much significance to this work of Russian piety, and this is clearly registered in his depiction of Franny's response to the book. This influence, however, does not necessarily prove distinct structural affinities or parallels, but rather reveals a sensitive recognition on Salinger's part of the moving spirit and...