The Catcher in the Rye Essay

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English 3201 January 4, 2006

The Catcher in the Rye Essay Serena Lambe

In the 1994 Washington Post critical review "J.D, Salinger's Holden Caulfield, Aging Gracelessly," Jonathon Yardley asserts that The Catcher in the Rye is "an essential document of American adolescence," and that there can be "no question about its popularity and influence." Although this book has been heavily criticised and condemned over the years for being "obscene," having an "excess of vulgar language, sexual scenes, and things concerning moral issues," it is now accepted as a classic piece of literature. The experiences of Holden Caulfield in this novel still resonate with teenagers of today, causing it to be a popular choice of reading material in high schools. Teenagers can relate to Holden's difficulties with growing up and his feelings of lonliness. Furthermore, most teens use their own slang and profanities during conversations and many have to deal with temptations such as alcohol and tobacco. Because of the timeless themes that relate to any typical teenager, this book has endured many years and will continue to do so for a long time.

The difficulties which Holden faces due to growing up are universal among all teenagers. As teens get older, they are approaching the adult world and have to start facing the responsibilities and situations which are associated with this new phase of their lives. Holden is very resistant to these changes, which is similar to many adolescents of today. He does not understand the adult world and is not ready for the transition. He shows that he is not ready for this by criticizing adults and their "phoniness." Furthermore, he shows that he is not ready to face the adult world when he decides to stay in a hotel alone for a few days after being expelled from his school. He does not want to "face the music" right away and would rather ignore it. This is a normal route of teenagers who generally do not have the gumption to suffer the consequences of their actions. He feels that he can avoid some of the heat by avoiding the situation for a while. Also, the sexual side of being an adult frightens him because he does not do well with relationships. He does not know how to relate to other people and feels that others cannot understand him and his thoughts. Furthermore, in chapter nine, he talks about sex and admits that "[sex] is something [he] just don't understand. [He] swear[s] to God [he] don't." He worries about how he is going to have sex when he does not even comprehend the nature of it. Many teenagers of today do not truly understand the emotional and physical implications of sex, just as Holden does not. Many are nervous about entering relationships because of sexual pressures. Holden's discomfort with sexual situations is much the same as many teenagers experience today and they many take some reassurance in the fact that this is "normal." Growing up and taking on new challenges can seem daunting to most teens, as it does to Holden. These feelings will continue to surface as more and more youth enter the adult world. Catcher in the Rye will continue to stay relevant in this aspect because, even in the modern world, teenagers have to enter the realm of adulthood.
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In this novel, Holden also deals with various emotions which connect to loneliness. He longs for human contact, calling many people as he wanders throughout New York alone. Although he puts out a tough exterior, acting as though he does not need anyone, he is constantly thinking about what other people are doing. Holden explains his alienation to the reader by saying that he does not want to associate with all the "phonies" that he sees out there. He pretends as though he thinks himself better than those around him, as an excuse not to make good friends. ...

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