Mrs. Hincher
"Mrs. Hincher" | |
---|---|
Short story by J. D. Salinger | |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Genre(s) | Ghost story |
Publication | |
Published in | Unpublished |
Mrs. Hincher is an unpublished short story by J. D. Salinger.[1]
Plot
The story centers on a married couple, Frank and Paula Hincher, who are struggling to have a child. Mrs. Hincher convinces herself she is pregnant, and claims she needs bedrest. While her doctors tell her otherwise, she determines she will have a child, and sets up a nursery. Her husband finds her staying in bed and soon locking herself in the room. Weeks go by until a young girl is allowed in and reports there is a little baby in there but it won't talk. Overcome with frustration, Mr. Hincher breaks in the bedroom to find Mrs. Hincher curled in the fetal position in a crib. They decide to go on a vacation to Florida, where Mr Hincher subsequently has a mental breakdown in the lobby of the hotel and is sent to an asylum.[2]
History
Salinger completed the story in late 1941 and sold this story under the name "Paula" to
References
- ^ JD Salinger: A Bibliography.DM Fiene - Wisconsin Studies in Contemporary Literature, 1963
- ^ J.D.Salinger Collection, 1940-1974, Series I, Box I, Folder 8 Harry Ransom Center Special Collections. [1]
- ^ Alexander, Paul p.84 (1999). Salinger: A Biography. Los Angeles: Renaissance
- ^ Kenneth Slawenski.J. D. Salinger: A Life.Random House Digital, Inc., 2011.