Title: The Catcher in the Rye
Author: J.D. Salinger
Genre: Fiction, Literature
Location: 154
(214)
Blog about this novel
Anyway, I kept walking and walking up Fifth Avenue, without any tie
on or anything. Then all of a sudden, something very spooky started
happening. Every time I came to the end of a block and stepped off the godam
curb, I had this feeling that I’d never get to the other side of the street. I
thought I’d just go down, down, down, and nobody’d ever see me again.
Every time I’d get to the end of a block I’d make believe I was talking to
my brother Allie. I’d say to him, “Allie, don’t let me disappear. Allie, don’t let
me disappear. Allie, don’t let me disappear. Please, Allie.” And then when I’d
reach the other side of the street without disappearing, I’d thank him. Then it
would start all over again when I got to the next corner. But I kept going and
all. I was sort of afraid to stop. (197-198)
The Catcher in the Rye is about Holden Caulfield, a troubled boy, who
spends most of the book trying to figure his life out. In the beginning of the
story Holden is kicked out of Pency Prep, a private school. He claims that
everyone at the school was a phony and wants nothing to do with it. The
reader can tell early on what kind of person Holden is and where his story is
leading. Holden is a flawed teenager who grows up over the course of the
book.
The Catcher in the Rye was a highly censored and banned book in
public schools since the 1960’s. Holden Caulfield is seen as a poor role model
because he encourages rebellion, promotes smoking, drinking, and lying. The
book itself is censored because of the language used.
The book is not as controversial now as it was in the 60’s because
people are more accepting of its content. Holden is seen as a typical teenaged
boy who goes through the problems with family, school, and everyday life just
as any teen would today. Holden may be a character written in the 50’s but
he still represents the common male teenager today.
I enjoyed The Catcher in the Rye. The book is short and easy to read
and at the same time there is a lot to look at. Holden may be a rebellious teen
but his life is eventful and each of the things that Holden experiences the
reader does as well. I would suggest this book to anyone who likes to look at
the psychology of characters. Holden is a great character to analyze.
You might also like She’s Come Undone
Review by
Maryann Mostoller