Howdy,
I'm going to hold off on giving my opinions about The Catcher in the Rye. Maybe I'll jump in at some point and throw my (red hunting) hat in the ring. For now, though, I'd like you to choose one of the following questions and write a substantive response. Remember the point here: write freely, engage your classmates, answer the question in an interesting, creative manner. Don't worry: nobody will shout out, "Digression!"
Choose one:
1) Do you think of The Catcher in the Rye as more cautionary tale or more something else?
2) Holden as a transcendentalist: react.
3) Why do you think the novel has generated so much controversy over the years? What accounts for this? What nerve did it or does it touch?
Have fun and all.
:)
3) First! :p
ReplyDeleteWe discussed in class the various murderers that seem to have revered The Catcher in the Rye. I think this has a lot to do with their perceived identification with Holden. These sick people are outcasts of society, much in the way that Holden is, but the difference between the man who shot Lennon and Holden is that Holden is a pacifist. He never reacts violently, even though he such a hatred for the people around him. Or at least, he has not yet reached the point were he feels that he needs to react violently. But regardless, some of us who are as extreme as Holden do choose to react violently. There is nothing in the The Catcher in the Rye that promotes violence, (as Holden expresses his disgust for war) but the books simple association with violent people is what has lead to controversy.
Besides that, there's also some sexual undertones, but now this seems irrelevant, as other books I've been required to read were far worse. Maybe when this book was published things were different, but all the hype about the books alleged controversy is what lead to "Scroty McBuggerballs." Compared to everything else we're exposed to, the Catcher in the Rye is pretty mild salsa.
3) At first, I didn't quite understand why it was that "Catcher in the Rye" was prohibited. I honestly believed that the book was harmless and could not possibly corrupt the minds of youth. My personal experience with this book was probably much different than those of my classmates. It may have just been that I had a bad week last week or that I was especially emotional, but "Catcher in the Rye" made me extremely depressed. Because I have been an outcast my entire life, like Holden, I could relate to 95% of the things he said. His deep depression in the sense that no one listens to him or pays attention to who he is AT THE CORE struck a nerve in me.
ReplyDeleteI now completely understand why the book was banned, because even though it wouldn't evoke these same emotions in ALL teens, it would still affect many. The amount of thinking and soul searching that "Catcher in the Rye" causes can be scary to adults; many adults underestimate the intricacy and ability of insight a child's mind possesses. A recurring message in "Catcher in the Rye" is that Holden, in a sense, FEARS knowledge because it signifies growth/adulthood; I believe this fear was the same fear that plagued the minds of the adults that banned this book in the first place. Adults tend to think that making a minor/child think and talk about suicide, sex/sexual orientation, and cynical behavior is wrong, plaguing, and overwhelming. Knowledge and discussions about the workings of the human mind can be scary to some to this day, but this was especially so when "Catcher in the Rye" was published.
In response to question 1, I don't believe that Catcher in the Rye is meant to be a cautionary tale. Instead, it is a novel that describes the complicated journey from innocence and childhood to the [sometimes scary] independence of adulthood. Holden Caulfield is meant to be the protagonist that we relate to, presented in a more extreme way. Even Maya declares that she can relate to him at least 95% of the time! I believe that Holden is meant to represent common psychological issues that we face today (depression, fearfulness, bipolar disorder, sexuality, etc), just more intensely. He is clearly a dynamic character, because he comes to the realization that he is meant to be that "catcher in the rye," the one who saves children from falling off the cliff of innocence. By coming to this conclusion, the reader is able to see that he begins to develop maturity throughout the course of the book.
ReplyDeleteThe novel is littered with symbolism (and not just the English teacher variety!), such as the red hunting cap and the phone booth. Perhaps Salinger wanted to present a tale about a classic, relatable American teenager in the mid-twentieth century using this symbolism. However he is not cautioning the readers against anything. He discusses Holden's mind through his narration, and this is the core of the novel. Personally, I end up sympathizing with Holden and view the book as more of a coming-of-age story rather than anything else. Yay!
1)
ReplyDeleteHolden Caulfeild is not a cautuinary character. It is evident that he wasnt a victim of society. The character of Holden Caulfield has been constructed by Salinger to represent the stereotypical 1950’s juvenile delinquent. He wearsclothes unlike the 1950’s mainstream. Holden also involves himself in fights , smokes and “flunks” out of school; these areall actions of rebellion against the expectations of adults. His behaviour shows us that he craves attention and human interaction but is unable to becauuse he is too afraid to take a chance. His rebellion isnt the ideologic rebellion we see today in present society. The adults in the book represnt the phoniess and duplicitious attitudes, but is often reminded that not all adults turn out that way. The book just allows us to conclude our own ideas about how he should act.
Question 1: Catcher in the Rye could definitely be considered a cautionary tale. Holden represents a teenager who is always craving attention because he was never given enough attention when he was younger. You cannot really tell but from what we know about the parents they are almost absent figures in the book. This could potentially be why Holden resents growing up into adult so much, he does not want to become what his parents were. Throughout the book he is constantly looking for attention and for someone to listen to him. In fact, the only people that he likes and does not think of as “phonies” are those who listen to him. Phoebe, the nuns, and Mr. Antolini are the only people that actually listen to Holden and they are the only ones that he likes. Erika pointed out that Holden is a victim of society, which is just what he is. A victim of neglect from people including his family and including the schools that he went to. Megan also said that it is a coming of age story which it is, it shows how Holden made it past his issues and moved on to the future and possibly adulthood. Catcher in the Rye can also be a cautionary tale as well as a coming of age story it is here to warn the readers of what neglect can do to someone, and to show that it is possible to move past it.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1:
ReplyDeleteI'm a little indecisive on whether not Catcher in the Rye is cautionary or not. But, I think I'm gonna have to go with no. It's a story about a hormonal teenager, that chooses to run away out of fear in reaching adult hood. Like Maya mentioned, Holden is a pretty relatable character. If you think about it, pretty much any teenager hates the thought of becoming an adult, but Holden is one of those far fetched ones. Holden isn't really portrayed as a negative character in the story. Just like in real life and any story, of course, his actions have consequences. So I don't think it's cautionary, but the story definitely provides realistic circumstances and events that would occur if a teenager were to run away. I think it's these situations that could perhaps lead some one to thinking it were a cautionary tale. If you look at the basic summary of the story, I don't think it's cautioning any one to not become an adult or to perhaps not run away. Because we find that by the end of the story, Holden has mostly come to accept that he has to grow up and I don't think that would have happened if he hadn't ran away. When some one runs away, they're entirely on their own, and that requires some sort of growing up. Holden sees a lot of things he described as weird, things he wouldn't have seen at Pencey Prep. For example, at the Edmont Hotel he faces a series of things like looking out the window and seeing a cross dresser, a very young prostitute, and a pimp that was willing to be at the life out of him. His faced with the real world. So in some part of him running around New York, I think Holden matured just enough for him to accept that growing up is a part of life that you can't really deny and it's inevitable.
In response to #3
ReplyDeleteI think that this book has received so much controversy for a few reasons. First the attitude portrayed by Holden throughout the book is extremely negative, the type of attitude that could drive an emotionally unstable kid to maybe suicide. Holden constantly says that there is truly nothing in life that makes him happy in his life, it is straight up too depressing to read in a class where there are depressed kids. I think maybe the minor swearing might upset some uptight teachers and or principals. Also that one odd line where holden talks about his hat being a people shooting hat. This book sometimes did make me feel like not doing school work, quite a few instances in the book made me believe that school is a hassle. This is probably why schools do not support this book, because the whole book puts down the whole institution. I can't write anymore guys, see ya tomorrow in class
Question 1:
ReplyDeleteI agree with Arianna, Catcher In The Rye was not intended to be a cautionary tale. I believe that it's more along the lines of a story of acceptance, and a story that everyone can relate to once and a while; a fear of growing up. Although the story isn't a "cautionary tale" where the entire plotline is based upon a certain moral, the reader does obtain certain life lessons from the mistakes that Holden makes throughout the book. For example, hid failure in school. Holden's character is just an example of another stereotypical 20th century deliquient, just as Erika said
Question 2:
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Catcher in the Rye, I can understand why there has been so much controversy over whether to teach it or not. In my opinion, it is a book that should be taught to all high schoolers, because it reveals a unique story filled with symbolism and other interesting concepts that can lead to great classroom discussions. On the other hand, it becomes clear why more uptight institutions might flag this novel as "inappropriate" for students. For example, Holden Caulfield is essentially a glorified rebel who gets kicked out of school, developed few meaningful relationships, and is constantly looking for the bad, or phoniness in people. So, maybe this type of pessimistic and rebellious personality isn't necessarily what schools would want to expose their students to. The book also talks about many "adult" themes and some inappropriate language that educators could find unbefitting for students. And not to mention, the unsettling fact that Catcher in the Rye has been linked to quite a few killers including Robert Bardo, Mark David Chapman, and John Hinckley Jr, to name a few. But other than that, I think it's a great read!
In response to first question:
ReplyDeleteCatcher in the Rye comes off as both a cautionary tale and a life guide. Yes, it is often good to observe people, and identify the phonies in the world. Yes, it is also good to suck the marrow out of your childhood while its still intact. Holden represents the result of both drawn to the most dramatic extreme. Holden becomes obsessed with finding what is real and what is fake. And for someone that is so dramatically searching for a way to hold on to his childhood, its easy to forget that Holden is only 16 during the time of the book. So maybe while cautioning the reader, its also informing them as well.
3:
ReplyDeleteAt first while reading Catcher in the Rye, I didn't understand why Holden was such a negative fool. He would ceaselessly point out each negative trait or habit of every person he encountered. Holden also refuses to apply himself to anything, and doesn't seem to care much about his future. I could see how that alone could generate some controversy, for it could allow children reading the book to develop similar habits, which are fairly frowned upon in society today. The use of unsavory words and adult themes could also be troubling to some traditionalist folks stuck in the 20th century, but, let's be honest, one hears more foul and provocative language within the two minute walk between classes than in the entire novel.
1) I believe that Catcher in the Rye is not a cautionary tale. As stated by many people, Ari, Erica, and Grace, this story is the tale of a regular, young teenager who faces many of the same problems teenagers face today. In order to be a cautionary tale it must warn people about something and show the negative results. This story has no such aspect to it. Through out the book in fact, we see Holden getting progressively better. He begins to mature and is ultimately met at the end with a sense of acceptance and happiness. If anything this story is merely a glimpse for adults into the life of a typical teenager. Though his problems are brought to the extremes, I agree with Maya and find that I too can identify with his character quite well. There is no way to prevent the emotional problems and personal issues he faces, thus it cannot be considered a warning against allowing them to occur. By the end, after he is allowed to face his problems on his own, he actually finds his way to peace making the book anything but a cautionary tale.
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ReplyDeleteAfter i finished The Catcher in The Rye i couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. The book led to Assassinations and is Banned across the Country in Public Schools and Libraries. Kelly has a point, i've heard Erika say more inappropriate things out loud in class then Holden ever could've said. Though i have to come to the conclusion that at the time the novel was the first of it's kind, a story of teenage angst and a coming of age. At a time when a puritan esque society was the norm, a teenager out at night buying hookers and going to shady clubs musta' been straight whack to adults. And the Book was released in 1951 exactly around the Time of the WW2 baby boom, so adults must of now had a much stronger sense of ownership and protection over the youth after the majority of the population went to War.