J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, is set in the 1950’s and begins in Agerstown, Pennsylvania, shortly before Christmas. Holden Caulfield, the main protagonist, is a seventeen year old male who has recently been kicked out of yet another prestigious school; this time as a result of failing four of his five classes. Prior to leaving the institute, he visits his history teacher, Old Spencer, in order to say goodbye but quickly becomes annoyed. He then spends some time in his dormitory where the reader is introduced to his roommate Stradlater, who has recently taken out Caulfield’s childhood crush Jane, along with his unhygienic bathroom neighbour Ackley. Before his parents can find out of his expulsion, Holden runs away on an adventure to …show more content…
For instance, how relatable the main theme, the fear of growing up and becoming an adult, still is to this day; particularly because I am a senior and will be applying to university in a few short months. In addition, I found the humour in this novel to be truthful; specifically the following passages : “Old guy’s legs, at beaches and places, always look so white and unhairy” (p. 10). I deemed this amusing as I have found myself to think similarly during many separate occasions in the summer months. In addition, there is the following passage: “At Pencey, you either froze to death or died of the heat” (p. 27). This is an accurate description of the high school I currently attend, hence I found it comical that a teenage boy in the 1950’s could have a similar experience to myself in 2016. Moreover, Holden brought back fond memories of my own childhood when he mentioned a rainbow of oil he crossed in the street as a child. Likewise, when I was younger, I had an inclination for puddles of rainbow oil. Lastly, on a more mature note, the following quote, although it is not my favourite, is one I related to quite well “you'll find that you're not the first person who is ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior” (p. 208). Consequently, these words spoken by Mr Antolini, one of Caulfield’s former teacher’s, have a deep meaning to me for the reason that I feel it is advice I would much appreciate
The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger's novel set in the 1950s, told the story of sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield. Deciding that he's had enough of Pencey, his fourth school that he'd failed, he goes to Manhattan three days before his scheduled return to home, not wanting to inform his parents that he'd been expelled and sent back. He explores the city, calls up some old friends, gets nicked by the elevator operator, and gradually becomes bitter about the world and people. He then visited his sister Phoebe. After fleeing from the house of Mr. Antolini, his former English teacher, because of mistaking his actions for a homosexual overture, Holden went to Phoebe's school and sent her a note telling her he was leaving home and to meet him at the museum. When Phoebe arrived, Holden angrily refused her request to take her with him and she ignored to speak to him. He then took her across the park to a carousel, bought her a ticket and watched her ride. Holden ended his narrative here, telling the reader that he was not going to tell the story of how he went home and got "sick". He planned to go to a new school in the fall and was cautiously optimistic about his future.
After many years of ideas coming and going, one that seems to stay the same is the thoughts of tennagers. In the book The Catcher In The Rye written by J.D Salinger many can still relate to Holden’s story even after a 76 year difference. While exploring the city around him Holden takes the time to try to find himself on a deeper level and try to grasp how growing up really makes him feel. Given the fact that everyone is unique in among themselves the need for self satisfaction is always current meaning many run from the true responsibilities that come with age.
The Catcher in the Rye by, J.D. Salinger is told through Holden the narrative in the story. The setting of the novel takes place in the 1940's early 1950's. Holden is sixteen years old and he has a lot of problems in his life. He becomes seriously depressed to the point he cannot deal with people and life around him. The 1940's were different from today. However, Holden Caulfield is similar to many other teenagers who go through the same problems.
Published in 1951, J. D. Salinger's debut novel, The Catcher in the Rye, was one of the most controversial novels of its time. The book received many criticisms, good and bad. While Smith felt the book should be "read more than once" (13), Goodman said the "book is disappointing" (21). All eight of the critics had both good and bad impressions of the work. Overall, the book did not reflect Salinger's ability due to the excessive vulgarity used and the monotony that Holden imposed upon the reader.
Annotated Bibliography of Crash Course. “Holden, JD, and the Red Cap- The Catcher in the Rye Part 2: Crash Course English Literature #7.” Youtube.
What was it like to grow up? What would you change? Would you want to be a kid again? In the novel “The Catcher in The Rye” by J.D. Salinger, the character Holden Caulfield is trying to stop the way others grow up because to him the world of adulthood is corrupt. Ultimately the author sends a message that childhood innocence cannot be protected forever because everyone grows up.
The novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is narrated by the main character Holden Caulfield on parts of his life. He writes of his life during the 1950’s where he is undergoing therapy in a rest home. Holden describes when he is kicked out of school, and the problems in society. He writes about how he was expected to achieve great things through his school. How he is surrounded by phony adults and liars. Holden is very confused and in the middle of all of it. After Holden is kicked out of his fourth school, Pencey Prep, he subsists in the city of New York before he returns home. Holden tries to converse with others to try and fit in, but is refraining himself from adulthood to avoid the society of adulthood.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger shows the transition of a young teenager who struggles to find himself in the adult world. Holden Caulfield encounters many different elements that he had been influenced by the world around him. He views the world full of “perverts” and “phonies”. As a result of his views, Holden withdraws from society because he believes society is “broken” and very flawed. Holden’s view of society is developed based on his experiences such as the death of his brother, flunking out of many schools, an unrealistic dream of becoming the catcher and the rye. He becomes very judgmental of others which are his way of feeling better about himself by looking at things cursorily and His approach is to dismiss thinking deeply
In his book The Catcher In The Rye, J.D. Salinger Displays, through the main character Holden, that lying and deception are prominent in the real world. He shows that and in the pain of growing up you have much to experience and much to learn about life, people and the world. There are many instances in The Catcher In The Rye where this is apparent and also many critics have supported this in their critical analyses.
The Catcher in the Rye is Salinger’s most widely known work. It was published in 1951 and follows the protagonist Holden Caulfield through New York City. Holden had just been expelled from yet another prep school and decided to leave a few days early. The novel recounts the days following Holden’s expulsion. He spent three days in New York until he is able to return home. Throughout the days Holden spent in New York, he had a difficult time finding himself and figuring out how to live life.
Since its publication in 1951, J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye has served as a firestorm for controversy and debate. Critics have argued the moral issues raised by the book and the context in which it is presented. Some have argued that Salinger's tale of the human condition is fascinating and enlightening, yet incredibly depressing. The psychological battles of the novel's main character, Holden Caulfield, serve as the basis for critical argument. Caulfield's self-destruction over a period of days forces one to contemplate society's attitude toward the human condition. Salinger's portrayal of Holden, which includes incidents of depression, nervous breakdown, impulsive spending, sexual exploration, vulgarity, and other erratic behavior, have all attributed to the controversial nature of the novel. Yet the novel is not without its sharp advocates, who argue that it is a critical look at the problems facing American youth during the 1950's. When developing a comprehensive opinion of the novel, it is important to consider the praises and criticisms of The Catcher in the Rye.
Melinda’s Transformation in “Speak” Through Motifs Imagine going to school and getting looks of hate from everyone you used to know. Laurie Halse Anderson’s “Speak” tells the story of the fanatical journey of the high school freshman, Melinda Sordino, as she struggles to deal with the fallout from a horrific event. The story uses several motifs that enrich the narrative, but illustrate Melinda’s growth and transformation. Among these motifs, three stand out due to their significance: the tree, mirrors, and silence. Her emotional struggles and gradual transformation are reflected by these motifs and how it shows Melinda’s experience and emotional states, leading towards her self- discovery and healing.
The Catcher in the Rye is one of the best books ever written and is often included in the top 100 books of the 20th century. In 1951, when it was released The Catcher in the Rye was light years ahead of its time. Although it has always been considered controversial, it should be included in every high school reading list. It has both a spontaneous, as well as a relaxed tone that transfers those sensations to its reader. The characters draw the reader in; they are relatable and well developed. The Catcher in the Rye is funny, a book that any teenager can connect with, and is still relevant today.
Some people feel all alone in this world, with no direction to follow but their empty loneliness. The Catcher in the Rye written by J.D Salinger, follows a sixteen-year-old boy, Holden Caulfield, who despises society and calls everyone a “phony.” Holden can be seen as a delinquent who smokes tobacco, drinks alcohol, and gets expelled from a prestigious boarding school. This coming-of-age book follows the themes of isolation, innocence, and corrupted maturity which is influenced from the author's life and modernism, and is shown through the setting, symbolism, and diction.
Written by J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye is a classic fiction novel. Holden Caulfield, the main character, writes in a hospital about events that had occurred before the previous Christmas. In the text, Holden states “...I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. Thousands of little kids, and nobody’s around - nobody big, I mean - except me. And I’m standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everyone if they start to go over the cliff - I mean if they’re running and they don’t look where they’re going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That’s all I’d do all day. I’d just be the catcher in the rye and all. I know it’s crazy, but that’s the only thing I’d really like to be.” (163 Salinger) Holden’s quote explains the title of the writing. All he wants is to make a difference in the lives of others, allowing him to feel important.