It creates passion in young readers and it continues to do so every single year that I teach it. The Catcher in the Rye is the greatest book of its time because it makes students who read it, even the ones who don't like reading, want to read more.
What is the main message of The Catcher in the Rye?
As its title indicates, the dominating theme of The Catcher in the Rye is the protection of innocence, especially of children . For most of the book, Holden sees this as a primary virtue. It is very closely related to his struggle against growing up.
Why is The Catcher in the Rye important to American literature?
Since 1951 when it was first published, The Catcher in the Rye has served as a resonant expression of alienation for several generations of adolescent readers and adults who have considered themselves at odds with the norms and institutions of American society.
How does Holden feel about literature?
Holden's explanation of his opinion of literature is, like a good part of his discourse, pretty much disjointed , but he actually appears to have a fairly strong appreciation for books and is surprisingly well-read. Holden describes himself paradoxically as being “quite illiterate, but (he) reads a lot”.
How did Holden lose his innocence?
In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden loses his innocence at the age of thirteen, when his brother, Allie, dies of leukemia . This strips away his sense that the world is safe or fair.
What can we learn from Catcher in the Rye?
- You're not alone in your frustrations. ...
- Social niceties aren't always phony. ...
- Excellent writing can transport you. ...
- Growing up means channeling your frustrations towards something productive.
Why is Catcher in the Rye so controversial?
Some books may be banned for the whole novel in general, and some books are banned for just one word or even their book cover (“If You Think We're Free”). The Catcher in the Rye has been challenged several times for its “excessive vulgar language, sexual scenes, and things concerning moral issues” (Sova).
How did Catcher in the Rye impact society?
Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye introduced an iconoclastic image of adolescence that has captured our imagination ever since. Over the years the story–and voice–of Holden Caulfield has permeated our classrooms, shaped our youth culture and influenced the branding of American-style rebellion.
Why was Catcher in the Rye so powerful?
It's the greatest book of its time because it is the one that students read in its entirety . ... The Catcher in the Rye is the greatest book of its time because it makes students who read it, even the ones who don't like reading, want to read more.
What mental disorder did Holden have?
While Salinger never provides a specific diagnosis, references to Holden's mental instability are clear throughout the novel, and the reader could easily make the connection that Holden suffers from some combination of depression, anxiety, and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) .
What is wrong with Holden Caulfield?
Holden Caulfield suffers from post traumatic stress disorder . The fictional cause is the death of his beloved little brother, Allie. The reason that The Catcher in the Rye is so powerful is that it is a true book (I don't say that it is a true story). ... Salinger, himself, and Holden's PTSD is Salinger's PTSD.
Why is Holden obsessed with phoniness?
The Phoniness of the Adult World
Phoniness, for Holden, stands as an emblem of everything that's wrong in the world around him and provides an excuse for him to withdraw into his cynical isolation . ... Holden can be a highly insightful narrator, and he is very aware of superficial behavior in those around him.
How does Holden feel about innocence?
As its title indicates, the dominating theme of The Catcher in the Rye is the protection of innocence, especially of children. For most of the book, Holden sees this as a primary virtue . It is very closely related to his struggle against growing up. ... The people he admires all represent or protect innocence.
What is Holden's biggest struggle?
One of Holden's main struggles in the story concerns his inability to move on with his life by making peace with his past . Holden desperately fears becoming an adult, believes that the competitive world of grown-ups is full of “phonies,” and desires to remain an adolescent.
What symbolizes innocence in Catcher in the Rye?
The field represents innocence. The fall from the cliff represents the fall from innocence. Holden represents the attempt to shelter kids from growing up, and more personally, represents his desire to avoid the harshness of adult life. The Catcher in the Rye, Part 2: The symbol is ironic.
Why is Catcher in the Rye relevant today?
Salinger's classic novel ‘The Catcher in the Rye' was written nearly 70 years ago, but one million copies are still sold every year. Today is J.D. Salinger's 100th birthday, but Holden Caulfield is still 17. The iconic teenager of The Catcher in the Rye will forever be a symbol of our youthful alienation .
