De Daumier Smith's Blue Period

Salinger seems to be identifying with Jean in De Daumier Smith's Blue Period. The title of this short story already says a whole lot for the importance of the story and how it fits in with the collection. The blue period refers to Salinger, Jean, Picasso, and the time period.  After Salinger returned from war, he struggled with fitting back into society and wanted to be alone. He was in search of a spiritual journey as he was determined to serve God. This was Salinger's "blue period". Therefore, because Salinger went through a blue period himself, I don't think he would criticize Jean's blue period since he knows how it feels. 

Furthermore, Jean shares the same initials with Salinger, which is not a coincidence. Sharing the same initials shows the connection between Salinger and Jean, and Salinger is emphasizing with Jean as opposed to mocking him. Also, we don't know Jeans real name, just his alter ego, Jean de Daumier Smith. This shows the struggle of identity, which furthermore connects with Salinger who has trouble finding himself after war.

An example of Salinger identifying with Jean is in the beginning of the short story. Jean “prayed for the city to be cleared of direct action, for the gift of being alone- a-l-o-n-e.” When Salinger returned from war he spent most of his time in solitaire, just as Jean yearned to be alone after he returned from Paris. 

Overall, because their seems to be many connections between Salinger and Jean, Salinger is truly emphasizing with Jean rather than making fun of him. Jean could be Salinger reflecting on himself, just as Jean reflected on himself with his self portraits (and Picasso did too).