Answers:
You either love Holden or hate him. Some completely relate to his position as an outcast and his cynical views of how the world works. (Even reading the newspaper and sending people postcards when on vacation is pointless and depressing to Holden.)
Others can't stand his negativity and see his outcast position as self-imposed. He doesn't fit in anywhere because he criticizes nearly everything. He should just shut up and grow up, etc.
The main issue that runs throughout the book, the main thing Salinger really wanted to focus on whether you like Holden or dislike him, is what happens when the innocence of youth is exposed to the brutal realities of society. This is the most troubling thing to Holden, and what he sets out to prevent, only to find out he can't.
Many have problems with the end of the novel. I think it's perfect. There is a wonderful redemption there, you just have to use your brain to find it. And if you feel you get it and want more, check out Salinger's short story "For Esme, With Love and Squalor" in the collection Nine Stories. It also has similar themes about youthful innocence and the redemption of a damaged individual.
That book bothered me so much I stopped before the last chapter cause I couldn't finish it. I was so involved in Holden's detachment I still believe that if I finish reading it I'd have to kill the President or John Lennon...
SERIOUSLY.
My teacher's assignment was to write another chapter in the book. I refused stating I could finish it on moral grounds.
There is some sort of subconcious schizophrenia in between the lines. It's like a reverse brain wash or a bad acid trip.
A really good book, it just is to real and phony at the same time.
I think it's a wonderful book. One of my favorites. Holden Caulfield is a very angsty character, but I like the words that come out of his mouth. He's funny.
I love,love, love this book. I think Holden is the best. Sure he has a real problem, but you have to admit he sure is interesting. You just feel so much for him. I love how he thinks everyone is a phoney. I also love how he kids with Akley.
The only thing i remember is that I got to read the last chapter in class and I was allowed to say the F word... I said it reallllllly loud...
The Catcher in the Rye is a great book.
However, when I read it in high school, Holden was my hero. When I read it years later, I realized he was just a really messed up kid. Of course, that made me appreciate the book even more!
P.S. He was definitely right about phonies!
I loved J.D. Salinger's writing style. The book was vulgar and very straightfoward at first glance; however, if speculated, it contains a very deep message. The fact that the author paired Holden with such a harsh tone and yet was able to make his reader ( well, me in this case) feel sympathy and reverence towards the character, shows what a truly ingenious writer he is.
I loved it! It was the first book that I could relate to as I was reading it. You're going to love the rest!
I think it's a classic. And most people ARE phony, especially to youths of that age, boy or girl. Except the ones who understand The Catcher in the Rye... !
Holden Caulfield (sp, it's been years) is a wonderful character who shows the two sides we all have; the tough and the tender, ignorant and knowledgeable, etc. It ends out that... oh, I don't think you finished the book yet, huh.
(anyway, I love it. Must always have a copy!) ;-}
Ooooh, Ohhhhhh .....Not me.
It's a classic, after all, and for good reason. Finish it and you'll find out why. Not all of us are into superficiality, (corruption), and hypocrisy as a means to becoming "successful", eh? Luckily :))
This article contents is post by this website user, EduQnA.com doesn't promise its accuracy.
More Questions & Answers...