Catcher in the Rye Essay Themes of Society and Growing Up

Themes of Society and Growing Up in The Catcher in the Rye In reading J.D. Salingers novel, The Catcher in the Rye, one is compelled to have a very strong reaction to the contents of the book. Whether that reaction is negative or positive, it is unquestionable that the reader will give the novel a second thought after reading it. There could be many reasons why this novel has such an impact on the readers. It may be the use of Salingers catchy slang phrases, bitingly sarcastic and usually negative, grabbing the attention of the reader. Another possibility is Holden, the novels subject and lead character. He describes everything as phony, is constantly in search of sincerity, and represents the first hero of adolescent†¦show more content†¦It is a widespread belief that much of Holden Caulfields candid outlook on life reflects issues relevant to the youth of today (Davis 317-18). Before his novel, J.D. Salinger was of basic non-literary status, having written for years without notice from critics or the general public. The Catch er in the Rye was his first step onto the literary playing field. This initial status left Salinger, as a serious writer, almost unique as a sort of free agent, not bound to one or more schools of critics, like many of his contemporaries were. This ability to write freely, his status as a nobody in the literary world, was Salingers greatest asset. Rather than to scope inside Salingers mind and create a greatness for him, we are content instead to note him for what he is: a beautifully deft, professional performer who gives us a chance to catch quick, half-amused, half-frightened glimpses of ourselves and our contemporaries, as he confronts us with his brilliant mirror images (Stevenson 217). Novels about teenagers rarely capture the melodrama of growing up and having those feelings of unworthiness and uselessness as this one did. Aside from all of thse clichà ©d growing pains that teens enjoy sympathizing with, however, there is still that side of Holdens character that is not quite optimistic but hinting of a softer side of him. This mannerism is inShow MoreRelatedComparison and Contrast of a Separate Peace and Catcher in the Rye1515 Words   |  7 PagesComparison and Contrast Essay A Separate Peace and The Catcher in the Rye The coming of age novels, The Catcher in the Rye, written by J.D. Salinger, and A Separate Peace, written by John Knowles, both interpret the lives of adolescent boys journeying through their conflicts and inner confusion to reach the level of maturity. Salinger and Knowles both discern the literal ways a typical teenager grows up with the help of literary elements such as plot, setting, character development, conflictsRead MoreDaisy Caulfield : Minor Character1424 Words   |  6 PagesA minor character in The Catcher in the Rye, written by J.D. Salinger, is Phoebe Caulfield, the main character, Holden’s younger sister. Holden describes his sister as not only the smartest kid in the world, but also a great dancer, and a very sympathetic listener. She’s also known as the funniest little sister ever. She is first introduced to readers when Holden says: â€Å"You d like her. I mean if you tell old Phoebe something, she knows exactly what the hell you re talking about. I mean you canRead MoreCatcher in the Rye4413 Words   |  18 PagesThe Catcher in the Rye â€Å"Is The Catcher in the Rye, as a work of literature still relevant for today’s youth?† Name: Sara Sigurdson Course: English A1 Supervisor: Mr. Peter Steadman Word count: 3851 Candidate number: 00136022 Table of Contents Content Page Number Abstract 3 Introduction 4 The Actual Catcher in the Rye 4 The Sexual Matter 5 The Caulfield Family 6 Narrator and Protagonist 8 Role Model 9 Mr. Antolini 10 Targeted Audience 10 Guidance 12 Read MoreReview Of The Perks Of Being A Wallflower 1569 Words   |  7 PagesEssay Organizer Adolescence is the stage in human development that prepares individuals for the transition from childhood to adulthood. Stephen Chobsky’s novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and J.D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye, are critically acclaimed coming of age stories that document the turbulence of adolescence. The protagonists of these novels, Charlie and Holden Caulfield, both encounter common themes in adolescence such as alienation, confusion of sexuality, and loss ofRead MoreHolden s Journey Toward Maturity2555 Words   |  11 Pages(Salinger 60). Holden’s concern for where the ducks go proves his anxiety and Holden feels he lacks anywhere safe to head to go in the world. Holden shows a growing ability to adapt to adult life. He also says people cannot rely on others to help them and sometimes people just have to do things without the assistance of others. Furthermore, part of growing up is to be able to go the distance for one’s own self. Th e ducks represent the Holden’s journey toward maturity because, throughout the novel, we seeRead MoreThe Catcher In The Rye: Why It Is An American Classic?2178 Words   |  9 PagesThis essay was written by a 16 Year Old (2006) in a selective high school (Sydney) in the top English class (later on became Dux of English). Was chosen to be the model essay, so I guess its an A+ or 10/10. 2000 words. *********************The Catcher In The Rye has been renowned as a classic due to a wide range of factors which have been able to garner appeal to the audience throughout the ages. JD Salinger has created a character- Holden Caulfield, which the audience can easily identify andRead MoreAnalysis Of I m Just A Kid 1825 Words   |  8 Pagescare for them siblings, grandparents, friends, a whole list, and it is very unlikely that at young ages kids would be left out because at young ages people are taught to respect one another, play nice, and be friends. However as time goes on kids grow up into teenagers, and eventually have to enter the adult world, which is completely different, they go through a transition were things aren’t handed to them they have to work for what they want. Generally individuals will have to adapt and create newRead MoreMacbeth vs Holden1435 Words   |  6 PagesShakespeare wrote the play Macbeth using Macbeth as a protagonist in this old English play. Holden Caulfield is also the main character in â€Å"the catcher in the rye† written by J.D Salinger. This essay will elaborate on the similarities of the characters and the difference in their individual societies. What external forces are used? Are they honest, do they lie? What kind of influence are women? I will illustrate the strategies used between the characters and different qualities they obtain. HoldenRead MoreEmotional Damage, Hidden Truths, and Accepting Responsibility in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye 1996 Words   |  8 PagesEmotional Damage, Hidden Truths, and Accepting Responsibility in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye When one finds themselves in a reader’s position, they search for things in the novel that they can relate to. J. D. Salinger wrote a story that contained countless topics that people, past, present and future, can relate to in several ways. The novel follows the story of a troubled boy named Holden who leaves school due to his poor academic performance, an altercation with his roommate, and complicationsRead MoreLiterary Criticism : The Free Encyclopedia 7351 Words   |  30 Pages20th century, it spread to Germany, Britain,[12] France,[13][14] and several other countries around the globe.[15] The genre translates fairly directly into cinematic form, the coming-of-age film. Plot outline[edit] A Bildungsroman relates the growing up or coming of age of a sensitive person who goes in search of answers to life s questions with the expectation that these will result from gaining experience of the world. The genre evolved from folklore tales of a dunce or youngest son going