This article in The New Republic describes one take on why The Catcher in the Rye is such a widely read text. What, in your opinion, is the value in reading this book. Is there one? Justify your response.
http://www.newrepublic.com/article/why-do-people-love-catcher-the-rye#
Respond to at least one person. Please post by Sunday, 2/17.
I think the value of The Catcher in the Rye is that it is relatable yet intangible for a teenage reader, and the book forces the reader to understand the differences between a character's thoughts and actions. Holden was a rich boy attending boarding who flunked out, while in New York City, he hired a prostitute for company, and in the end, sustained a mental breakdown. As a teenage reader, you can understand how Holden felt he should be interested in grownup subjects like prostitution, so he acted upon that impulse. Since you are reading Holden's thoughts as well as his actions, you begin to realize that what goes on in Holden's head mirror the ideas of a child. Ultimately, The Catcher in the Rye teaches high school students to analyze the different perspectives a book is exposes them too and learn the real life lesson to not judge a person only by his actions because it might not be who they really are inside. To me, this book was a very valuable read.
ReplyDeleteYes I do agree with your opinion about how this book can be relatable to some teenagers. Although most aspects of Holden's life didn't specifically relate to me, his opinions about not wanting to grow up and trying to escape the pressures of society is evident in many teenagers mind's. I also agree with how you think this book is a very valuable read because it shows different opinions on life and situations.
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DeleteI do agree that Holden is being forced to grow up to quickly because of society so there is a lot of conflict between Holden's immature thoughts and mature actions. Not only is this book relatable, but Holden's writing style is conversational which makes reading more comfortable and gives the reader the ability to feel closer to Holden.
I agree with Sarah, the way that Holden spoke made it feel as if the reader was his best friend. It really helped me feel even closer to Holden and helped me to understand his thoughts even more. I think if the book had been written more formally it wouldn't have been as easy for me to connect to Holden as much as I did when reading this book. This writing style helped me to enjoy reading because of the way that Holden spoke to the reader and kept the reader interested from page to page.
DeleteIn my opinion, the true reason why we read "The Catcher in the Rye" is because it is a great example of how persuasive and bias someone's voice in writing can be. Throughout the entire novel, I began to realize that Holden's underplayed failures were downplayed because he was the one who was telling the reader from his perspective. But, if the story was told from a bistander about Holden's many recurring failures, the story would be completely different than how Holden was telling it. Also, it shows the reader how someones very evident opinion and strong since of voice can be bothersome to the reader. In my personal opinion, I found that Holden's strong voice and opinion was quite bothersome because it was difficult to see different sides or opinions in his life situations. Overall, "The Catcher in the Rye" is a novel which is taught to show students how crucial voice is to have in any piece of writing, weather it is just a paragraph, book, or essay.
ReplyDeleteI agree that one of the main reasons as to why Catcher in the Rye holds so much value is due to the strong sense of voice exhibited within the pages. Just by the way Holden speaks, it is easy to tell that he is troubled and full of angst. Furthermore, the voice within Catcher also gives the reader a personal insight on Holden's thoughts and opinions. However, I do not think that the novel would have the same effect if it were told in third-person. For example, if the novel was written in third-person, the reader would be prevented from viewing the world exactly as Holden does, one of the many ingenious perks of the book. This would impact the novelty of the book greatly because the reader would lack Holden's dark yet unique understanding of the world. Also, like Melissa said, there would be a lot less bias if the book was written in third-person due to the fact that the reader would be able to see both sides of all of Holden's interactions. Therefore, because Catcher in the Rye is told only from Holden's view and with Holden's voice, the novel is much more valuable and inventive.
DeleteI also really appreciate Melissa's point about voice and how it when we read in the first person, it's crucial to consider the reliability of our narrator.
DeleteThe intrinsic value of The Catcher in the Rye took me a while to recognize, but I think that I now understand it. This book allows readers to live in a different and unique world from the one that they are used to. By reading The Catcher in the Rye, readers see the world from the eyes of a teenager who looks at things differently. He feels so much that he can barely handle it, and in the end, does seem to buckle under the strain of it. Compared to Holden, the protagonists of my other Young Adult books appear vapid and one dimensional. In addition to letting readers glimpse into the turbulent world of a unique teenager, The Catcher in the Rye forces readers to think. Holden has so many opinions and thoughts, it is very near impossible to read his memories and not form your own. Holden's thoughts are sometimes startling, such as his feelings towards religion, money, and sex, but they provoke consideration and thinking on topics that are often hard to discuss. Therein lies the value of The Catcher in the Rye; it gives readers a chance to think about things in ways that would not have been possible without Holden's unique guidance.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Hannah. Her comment: "it is very near impossible to read his memories and not form your own" describes exactly how I felt when reading this book. With each turn of a page I was forced to view the world differently, through the eyes of Holden, and pondered questions that I never would have asked myself if it had not been for The Catcher in the Rye. Holden's unique thoughts and views were truly the highlight of this Novel as it gave the reader a new perspective on the world throughout the eyes of Holden, who's startling feelings and thoughts, though slightly cynical, are veracious yet startling.
DeleteI wholeheartedly agree. This book provides such a different view of the world that people are forced to think about them. Also as Hannah said, with Holden being such a strong narrator, you are forced to form opinions on the way he sees the world and its people. This is why there is tremendous value in this book. With scuba strong narrator opinions are bound to be formed whether the reader agrees with Holden or not. As Hannah stated this book is thought provoking and should continued to be read and taught throughout the country.
DeleteI also appreciate Hannah's comparison between Holden and other characters in young adult novels. He illustrates the numerous complexities that a human has. I wonder if, as you craft your own narratives, you will reconsider Holden's voice yet again as you begin to see what your own voice looks like on paper.
DeleteCatcher in the Rye is a book where the authors writing style is relatable to many readers. The writing is carefree and immature, it is a teenagers thoughts and view of the world. Holden's way of looking at the world comes off as very negative and maybe as an annoyance to some readers. Throughout the book Holden opens up and tells the reader about his past. Holden's past is an explanation for the negative and cynical ways he sees the world. Understanding Holden's past is key to the reader for having any sympathy for him. The lesson that can be learned is not to judge someone right away because you never know what they may have been through. Another value in reading this book is being able to view actions of humanity and the world through someone else's eyes. Many of the thoughts that Holden has and the things that he says really make you think. This book is wonderful for discussions since readers have the ability to be opinionative about Holden's perspective and complex ideas.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Sarah’s opinion here as it gives a great answer as to why the story obtains so many readers. The perspective of the story is viewed through the eyes of a teenager. A teenager that sees life in a very cynical way, while still entertaining the reader with Holden’s young adult attitude and opinions. This story also is seen portraying Holden as almost an adult as he lives a life that might not be suitable for his age. His drinking and smoking, and living in New York on his own will most likely attract all different types of audiences. While most people will find Holden’s narration annoying, you can’t really judge him until you have fully learned of Holden’s life story. As Sarah said, this story teaches you not to judge someone immediately and gives you a taste of seeing life through someone else’s eyes. This opinion she gave is definitely a clear reasoning to this story’s meaning and how It is read so much.
DeleteI feel the reason we read the The Catcher In The Rye is to understand the importance of bias. Due to the fact that this book is written from Holden's perspective you have to keep reminding yourself that he my not be telling the whole or true story. With this bias you can also get to know the narrator through the way he tells stories and what he does and doesn't go on and on about. This insight gained from Holden telling the story could be very different of even non existent if it were told by a bystander. Holden's bias also adds a personal feel to the book that would be otherwise lost. That said, Holden's bias limits you to what he wants to tell and how he wants to tell it. Therefore you may not get the whole story which can be bothersome and make it harder to distinguish between the truth and what Holden tells
ReplyDeleteAlthough I agree that this any work is bound to have bias, I don't agree that, "Catcher In The Rye" includes lots of it. Holden tells his story from start to finish, not choosing to leave out the details of when somebody denies him or is mean to him. In addition, Holden explains to the reader when he has pleased or disappointed someone. For that matter, he even tells the reader when he has disappointed himself. So even though Holden does have the power to include or exclude things from this story, I believe he avoids a large amount of bias by telling both sides of every story.
DeleteI partly disagree with Brette's idea of there not being bias in the book, as well as the type of bias that Thomas says there is. I don't believe Holden excludes many things from the book so in that sense, the story is as true as it can be. The whole story is there, but it is very one sided. The events taking place in the book may be seen very differently from Holden's point of view, especially taking into account his mental instability that evolves throughout the book, from any bistanders looking in on his life. A great example is the scene at Mr. Antolini's house. Although Holden thinks of the slightly awkward moment where Mr. Antolini is rubbing Holden's head as a homosexual move on him, what may have actually happened could be completely different. The fact of the matter is that Mr. Antolini could have been trying to wake him up or do any other number of things. Holden's homophobia that we see with his interaction with Carl Luce creates a possible bias to the events in the book. This is just one example of how bias could play a huge role in Catcher in the Rye.
DeleteI agree with Thomas and Charlie, because although Holden isn't trying to convince us of anything, the way in which he recounts his story is filled with bias. Whenever he states a "fact", the reader basically assumes that it's exaggerated, or inflated in some way. Since the book largely takes place inside his head, it only truly shows one side of every story: His.
DeleteCharlie brings up an interesting point here. We never know for sure what the "true" version of events are. Is Holden downplaying or inflating what happens with Mr. Antolini? The truth is, the reader must derive his or her own truth based on his or her own bias. Brette's point is also important; Holden is the first one to criticize himself.
DeleteThere is massive value in reading this book, as it is an opportunity to escape into a world that is different than the world we are experiencing now. Holden's private thoughts, although crude and frank at times, created a refreshing new perspective on ordinary objects and ideas. His thoughts about museums, for instance, are a perfect example of him taking a standard subject and giving a new perspective on it; museums and their artifacts are unchanging, yet each time a person visits the museum, he or she is a completely different person. The exposure to Holden's way of thinking and the unique views Holden has in the world around him make this book absolutely worth reading.
ReplyDeleteTo add on to what Rachel is saying, Holden's allusions to art and literature show that he is not always what he seems. Although Holden flunked out of s prep schools, and sometimes has very unpleasant conversations it is no valid evidence to prove that he is not smart. The truth is that Holden is very smart and not only do his allusions prove this but also the way he describes people. He often used phrases like "Yearbook handsome", and "Roller-skate skinny" to really give the reader a good idea about a character. Lastly, his favorite Epithet: "Phony" was something he often used the dived people into non-phonies and phonies.
DeleteThe book, "Catcher In The Rye" is read so often in and out of school systems because it explores a teenager's personal Odyssey. Many teens in society are characterized as, "emotional" and, "dramatic", yet the novel takes a reader through the upsetting yet interesting maze that is Holden's life and explains why teenagers act the way they sometimes act. The point of view of this book enables anyone to become familiar with Holden, a complicated task to do in literature. Personally, by the end of the book, I felt like Holden was someone that I had known personally for years. I believe the Catcher is taught so that teens and person of other ages can realize that even though someone seems simplistic, chances are he has a convoluted past. The other reason I believe this book is taught and read is that is helps a writer get a sense of what truly amazing first-person writing style is like.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, especially with your point that "the novel takes a reader through the upsetting yet interesting maze that is Holden's life and explains why teenagers act the way they sometimes act." If the novel had been told in third-person, readers would probably experience confusion with some of Holden's abrupt, impetuous actions. They wouldn't understand where Holden's emotions stemmed from without having access to his thoughts and opinions. The first-person writing style was advantageously brilliant because it allowed readers to connect with Holden on a much deeper level than if it was told in third-person.
DeleteI believe we read The Catcher in the Rye to expose us to a very different style of writing, and to teach a new way of thinking and reading. When reading this book I found it like no other that I have read before. To hear Holden's thoughts as well as see his actions gave a very interesting perspective to the reader. I think it is very important that we read this type of book because we not likely to read a book of this caliber ever again. Also I believe the book is so widely read because it one of the few great literary books told through the eyes of a teenager. It's hard to find book that show great insight into the world, let alone one as told by a narrator around the same age its reader. As a narrator Holden is so descriptive, and so thought provoking you can't read this book without one moment where you are shocked about a revelation he had. This book is banned in many parts of the country, however that is part of what makes it so good. These controversial themes prove that good books make you think. In short this book should be continued to be read all over the country, for its writing style and its content.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I feel like reading this book was nothing like I have ever read before. It presented many thoughts about life, and reading them through the eyes of a teenager that didn't hold back his thoughts gave me a new way to think about things. Some of the points that Holden made throughout the book were only things that could be told straight through reading his thoughts. For instance, Holden's actions often differed from his thoughts. I personally liked this writing style because reading another teenager's thoughts gave me a new and challenging way to look at all of the realistic situations and ideas that this book presented.
DeleteI agree also. I think that reading this book helps teenager realate to Holden, which not many other books do. I think that reading from Holden's prespective gave the readers more things to think about. I also think that if the writing stlye was different, Holden's thoughts wouldn's have been interesting and wouldn't have made sense if they were from someone else's point of view.
DeleteDevin makes an excellent point in regards to Holden's insight coupled with his teenage voice, and what a rarity it is to read a book that truly causes you to reflect on the world around you and how you view it.
DeleteI agree with Devin. This type of book, one in which the content is so complex and thought- provoking, often has characters that are older. In this specific book, Holden is a normal, or perhaps close to normal, teenager, allowing the reader to more easily relate to his thoughts and actions. Thoroughly understanding and relating to Holden makes the story come to life, as you can relate it to your own life. I also like how Devin mentioned that the perspective given to the reader in this story is an interesting one, and I agree. Not very often does the reader get to see not only the actions the characters does, but the thoughts behind the actions. This special perspective intensifies the reader's feelings toward the character, positively and/ or negatively.
DeleteThere are many reasons that one could come up with to explain the popularity of Catcher in the Rye. Other than how relatable it is to teenagers all over, it helps demonstrate how conventional writing styles taught in school aren't the only way to go. The exaggerated conversational, sarcastic voice of the book is hardly seen anywhere nowadays in anything. In a world where being unique is becoming increasingly difficult, Salinger's book is still one of a kind. Catcher in the Rye is one of those books that you either love or hate, and many people hate it. So if so many people hate this book, how can it possibly be so widely read? The popularity may largely be thanks to how nonchalantly Holden talks about very controversial topics, practically forcing people to talk about the book whether they hate it or love it. A book that is talked about a lot, is bound to become a widely read book, especially in schools.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the reason many teenagers across the country are required to read The Catcher in the Rye is not only because it is any easy book to relate to, but the book also teaches students the importance of keeping your mind open while reading a book. This book is told completely through the main character Holden's thoughts and actions, proving to be a one sided story. While Holden never denies the reader of all the details of a situation, his thoughts are always very biased and forces the reader to question whether or not Holden's thoughts are reliable. By reading this book, students gain the skill of discovering an authors reliability in different types of writing.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. At times, while reading the novel, I found myself judging Holden for what he said. I had to constantly remind myself to keep my mind open, as Hannah said. This is a very important lesson to teach high school students. Teenagers are able to relate to this novel because the narrator is a teenager. This connection will teach an important lesson to the reader because the narrator and reader have common ground. In a way, this book can teach the reader more about their own personality and character, while teaching a strong lesson.
DeleteThe Catcher In The Rye to me, is so widely read because of its one of a kind type of structure. The way the plot has been created is quite isolated to common day novels. This book has a unique construction that shapes it into a book that should be read by all. This book is so powerful as it is so different. Something which plays with your mind and has you see life in a different way. Even though the story is viewed on earth and with a normal setting, the emotional side to this story differentiates. The way Holden’s nonchalant view on life is seen in the story, is something that is not seen that often. Many people come to hate this book, most likely because of Holden’s depressing and blow off style of narration. Though this unique type of narration is something new that everyone should have a chance to read. This is why The Catcher In the Rye is so widely read, and commonly seen in English classes nowadays.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Conner, especially in saying that it's one of a kind. I have probably read a couple hundred books in my life and "The Catcher In The Rye" definitely has its own category. No other book has such an outright, honest narrator and I think that that is why so many people hate it and why it was banned in schools nationwide. But, its also why it's so valuable. It gives you an unseen, unique perspective of the world and has the power to change ones view of it.
DeleteI agree, as well. Although the novel possesses themes that stand out, in my opinion, the main reason this book is so widely taught is because of the one-of-a-kind style that can only be found in this work. Few books, if any, are written in the style that Salinger shows in The Catcher, and I think that is why it has become the phenomenon that it has.
DeleteI also agree with your point about how the book "plays with your mind," especially when Holden is walking down the street while hallucinating.
In my opinion, the reason why many teenagers across the country are required to read The Catcher in the Rye is to make students aware of atypical and unconventional styles of writing. Salinger twists the reader's perspective on the tale by allowing access to Holden's thoughts and emotions throughout the novel. Unlike other literary works, The Catcher in the Rye connects with many young readers because the main character himself is a teenager whose thoughts, ideas, and actions correspond with those of many adolescents. Holden reacts to society in such a way that prompts the reader to contemplate the various situations and thoughts Holden expresses in the pages of his journal. This novel truly explores the various aspects of mankind, such as how we treat others and a person's true nature. Holden observes and analyzes features of human life that many wouldn't pick up on if they had not read the novel. For example, Holden's opinion of the museum is one that I personally found riveting and eye-opening, as his thoughts were indubitably true, yet had never once entered my mind. For me, the value of reading this book is immense due to its analytical opinions and valid points as well as its magnificent writing style.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts, especially about how Holden "explores the various aspects of mankind". I also think that if it weren't for reading this book, I would never have begun noticing the little things about human nature that Holden is always talking about. Holden's narration has, as you said, been "eye-opening". His continued discussion about phoniness and the way people act around others due to modern society has made me think more clearly about people and their actions today. JD Salinger's raw and truthful writing style definitely inspires readers to analyze the little details in life more carefully.
DeleteI believe that "The Catcher in the Rye" is valuable for high school students to read because of its unique style and the many discussions that it's unusual plot sparks. JD Salinger's writing style puts forward Holden as the narrator, who proves to be a different, yet relatable narrator especially to high school students. His rambling and somewhat distracted thought process perfectly demonstrates how many teenagers think. There is value to reading this book because it is fascinating for teenagers to read a story that is written exactly how they think themselves. Holden is also given some very difficult situations in life that he is forced to resolve on his own. Holden's reactions to these situations spark many thoughtful discussions in class and I think that it is very beneficial for students to discuss Holden's adventures in New York City in depth. I found it extremely compelling when we analyzed the book in small groups because I was able to hear everyone's individual reactions and theories about the events that occurred and the points that were made throughout the book. "The Catcher in the Rye" is one of the few stories that really connects with a teenager and inspires deep discussions and debates. The value to reading "The Catcher in the Rye" in english class is that the narrator is remarkably relatable to many teenagers and the events in the book spark riveting discussions between students.
ReplyDeleteI agree that The Catcher in the Rye sparked fruitful discussion. Its controversial nature and unusual narrative style are, in my opinion, among the most compelling reasons to read the book. Regardless of whether one identifies with Holden, enjoys the story, or considers the book to have literary merit, The Catcher in the Rye offers an original perspective and is conducive to interesting debate.
DeleteI believe that the value in reading The Catcher in the Rye is that is exposes the reader to a style of writing that is raw and real. Holden says exactly what he thinks, in the same way most of us think. It is human nature to make a quick judgement about something or someone, and to later refine it and make it more 'acceptable' for society. J.D. Salinger writes this novel in the exact style that humans think. Much of what Holden tells us seems very crude and unacceptable compared to the topics and styles that we are used to reading in school. This book is very realistic, but in an unexpected and often over exaggerated way. As the reader, we are able to relate Holden's thoughts to our own, though ours are often less extreme. In an unusual way, this book shows a lot about human thoughts in a natural, unrefined way. This is the most important and prominent reason why there is value in reading The Catcher in the Rye.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. I think that Holden's thoughts were refreshing because they were not censored. As I read the book, I continued to find similarities in Holden's thoughts and my own. Although, mine were not as extreme, I found common ground with Holden when it came to his views on change and growing up. I believe that reading this book when you are a teenager is beneficial because it is the time when you start to think about college and growing up, and Holden's thoughts are very relatable at this time.
DeleteI really like Eva's point about how Salinger writes in the exact way that human's think.
DeleteI believe the value in reading The Catcher in the Rye is to expose students to unconventional writing styles. You read exactly what Holden is thinking. There are few books like these, in which the character's thoughts are so close to an actual teenagers mind, that you can easily lose yourself in the authenticity within the pages. Holden is an individual anyone can relate to, whether it be with the entirety of his thoughts, or a single notion he presents. By the end of the book I felt like Holden and I were life long friends. He articulates his inner most feelings and holds nothing back. The Catcher in The Rye is not a book everyone can appreciate, but it is something you will always remember.
ReplyDeleteI love your ending thoughts there, " ...is not a book everyone can appreciate, but it is something you will always remember" since it connects back to the news article linked on the topic. However, I feel if the language in the book isn't taken so seriously, "The Catcher in the Rye" can be for everyone to appreciate, as Holden's a character, as you said, anyone can relate to.
DeleteThe most prominent value of The Catcher in the Rye is J.D.
ReplyDeleteSalinger's truthful illustration of the contrast between peoples'
thoughts and actions. Often in the novel, Holden encounters various
situations where his innermost thoughts deviate greatly from how he
outwardly reacts. One person Holden constantly reminded me of,
whom many of us are very familiar with, is Bruce, the driving
instructor from drivers ed. Anyone who has had a driving session with
Bruce understands the straightforwardness and veracity he conveys.
Bruce is unashamed to inform driving students of his many health
problems, only after having them stop at Freshie's so he can stock up
his lollipop and soda supply, or pass time by recounting stories of
his troublesome teenage life. I remember the last thing Bruce told me
before I got my permit was: "You're probably better off driving these
next six months with your dad, most bastards tell me that new drivers'
mothers get nervous as hell." Personally, Bruce made me a little bit
uncomfortable when I first started driving with him. However, once
drivers ed came to an end, I had the greatest respect for him and his
ability to 'tell it like it is'. I was confident that I could believe
whatever Bruce said because he never said anything he didn't mean;
this was a tremendous virtue. Though Holden doesn't always speak
exactly what is on his mind, he is certainly less phony than other
characters we observe in the novel. Knowing a person in
real life who is honest with himself and everyone else he interacts
with has shown me that there is great value in being truthful, and
this value is demonstrated completely in The Catcher in the Rye.
Great connection! I am so pleased to read that the book has caused you to reflect on actual individuals in your life differently.
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DeleteSarah, I had Bruce for drivers ed. too! I agree that it was very helpful for him to just say what was on his mind. If Bruce did not say what I was doing wrong, I would have kept doing, and I would be just as naïve as before taking the class! Another person in my life who made Holden stand out was my old ice hockey coach. He was notorious for not saying what was on his mind, and it was very difficult to know what he really thought. For example, if I execute a drill incorrectly, he would either say nothing (which meant I didn't know I'd done something wrong) or beat around the bush and add a little compliment to his speech (this would not make me understand what I'd done incorrectly or how important it was to the game). This is the complete opposite of Bruce and exactly what Holden hated. The Catcher in the Rye makes the reader identify the people in her own life who act "phony" or not real. I think this concept on its own is reason enough to read The Catcher in the Rye.
In my opinion, the value of reading Catcher in the Rye is that teenagers can relate to it, yet it makes important points about life. Holden has many thoughts about the people that surround him in this book. He often sees the bad habits of people that annoy him, but he can also see the good characteristics of people around him as well. For instance, although Holden listed many things that bothered him about Stradlater, he still stood up for all of his good characteristics, such as giving things to people, when Ackley started talking badly about him. Also, this book forces the reader to think about family, and the value of it. Pheobe and Allie were the only people in this book that Holden seemed to have an unlimited amount of respect for. He only talked about their positive characteristics and made it clear to the reader that they were his sole support system, especially Pheobe, that kept him living most of the time. Holden also focuses on the topic of change a lot in this book. Change is something that everyone goes through, and can relate to, and the presence of this idea adds to the points about life that this book makes. I think that the main thought about change that Holden presents is that although some things around you may stay the same, most people and things are constantly changing. This is relevant to when holden talks about the museum, and the ducks moving away from the pond for the winter. Overall, The Catcher in the Rye presents important facts about life, and ways to handle them and think about them through the eyes of a reckless teenage boy. This is what makes Catcher in the Rye a relatable book that everyone should read.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the informal and relatable writing style of Catcher in the Rye is what makes it such a valuable read. Holden has a strong and honest voice, and the book is told through his thoughts. Holden is a very honest person and he doesn’t hold anything back. I believe that if this story had been told any differently it would not have the same impact. Throughout the book, Holden opened up about his past, and his stories explain why he is so cynical and opposed to change. Understanding what Holden went through helps the reader to decipher his actions and feel sympathy for him. Overall, the conversational tone that Holden had, allows the reader to connect with him, and the thoughts in his head push boundaries and create a reading experience that is unlike any other book.
ReplyDeleteTo be frank, Catcher in the Rye is a valuable read because it is a classic; moreover, classic books should be read because they introduce new styles of writing and ideas that could improve one's intellect. Not to mention, due to its immense popularity, it is not unusual to see allusions in other pieces of literature referencing back to this innovative and revolutionary novel. However, Catcher holds a lot more value than just being a classic. To begin, Catcher is a story about a coming of age. While there are many of books before Catcher's time with the same cliché theme, Catcher was much more realistic and raw, setting it apart from these other books and making it much more relatable to the reader. Also, the writing style in Catcher is written basically the same way a teenage boy thinks. In other words, the novel consists of tangents upon tangents upon tangents and little organization. As you can imagine, this also means the content is a bit crude and immature; however, it is this unconventional writing style that makes Catcher in the Rye worth the read. The writing style allows the reader to slip into Holden's shoes and view the world in a completely different and unique perspective, broadening the mind of the reader and tying me back to my initial thought: Catcher in the Rye, a highly recognized and praised classic, will, whether the reader enjoys the novel or not, expose the reader to a different writing-style and ultimately impose a new sense of knowledge on them.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Michaela; rather than just being another typical coming of age tale that is so common, this allows the reader into Holden's thoughts which helps explain his true nature. Another important fact Michaela stated that I agree with is how The Catcher in the Rye really seems to come from a teenager's perspective. This tangent filled book captures the reality of teenagers everywhere and creates a more realistic story as Holden recounts the events that transpired.
DeleteThe thing that makes "The Catcher In The Rye" such a valuable read is its honesty. Every other book I've ever read has focused on peoples actions. The Catcher focuses on peoples thoughts. More specifically, Holden's thoughts. And it never fails to show Holden's thoughts on everything that happens, whether its good or bad. No other book does that. In addition, from reading it I learned a lot about the way other people think. Many of the things Holden did, such as hiring a prostitute or telling Sally that he didn't like her, would typically viewed as cruel or immature. But from an inside view, one can see that Holden's actions aren't as bad as they seem and many are even justified. In sum, It teaches you to have more respect for other peoples decisions because they probably have a good reason for them.
ReplyDeleteI agree, "The Catcher in the Rye" is very unique in its level of frankness. It seems as though Holden is recounting his tale with complete and total honesty and openness, sharing every thought and feeling that many of us would ignore. Because Holden is completely unfiltered in this story, we all have much to learn about the thoughts of others from reading "The Catcher in the Rye."
DeleteI like the way Owen presented his point regarding how being privy to Holden's thoughts helps us to be more empathetic towards his actions.
DeleteThere are many reasons why Catcher in the Rye is being read in schools all across the country. First off, it ditches the conventional writing style that students everywhere are being taught in school. This helps to broaden the students' writing ability. Another significant reason for reading this book is because it tells a story through one persons' eyes only. Rather than having a neutral narrator or hear the story from multiple perspectives, it is told just from Holden's point of view. This definitely introduces some bias along with not knowing how true his side of the story is to what really happened. This is very similar to teenagers nowadays because almost always when someone is telling a story about an event that occured, they typically enhance or exaggerate to make the story sound the way they want. Overall I think this book is one that has quite a bit of significance and should be continued to be read in schools and by everyone who chooses to.
ReplyDelete"Catcher in the Rye" is an important book to read for a few different reasons. To begin with, you can interpret the message of the book however you want, there is no clear symbol, it is up to you. Secondly, Catcher sheds a light on the teenage mind. It is a great coming of age novel and it takes literature to new places. Most importantly, perhaps, could be the fact that it is all about Holden's thoughts. This format probes a lot of thought about our society and what is "acceptable." For these reasons, I believe "Cather in the Rye" is a very valuable novel and should be read by all teenagers. - Tim Brigham
ReplyDeleteI believe that "Catcher in the Rye" deserves to be widely read because it skillfully encapsulates the inner workings of a rebellious adolescent mind while simultaneously characterizing an entire generation of Americans. As a post World War II teenager, the pressure Holden feels to grow up and act like an adult is overwhelming and frightening. As the story progresses, Holden's rebellious attitude and subliminal fear of growing up clash violently. Holden's mind begins to buckle under the enormous weight of adult situations that, in truth, he is not ready for. I feel as though "Catcher in the Rye" presents an entirely new take on the common coming of age story. This story, one full of mental anguish and internal struggle, was unprecedented in the genre, and is deservedly read by a great number of people today.
ReplyDeleteThis statement is completely true. How J.D. Salinger presents this era in history through a young and reckless teenager shows the conflict within all. Holden's pessimistic views and unusual social agenda seem to show how teenagers actually grow up, for most do not grow up perfectly and no one goes through life without a few downfalls this book addresses this element of growing up where others seem to either represent too extremely or underrepresent it in their characters. It is also very true that all kids fear the future and adulthood because of how scary change is. Holden shows resistance and evasion of any great responsibility just like many other teens who would much rather be doing what they want to do in the moment than plan for a future which might not be achieved through sheer will power or through being a model citizen. Holden is represented as a teenager vacant of any want for a future and many wishes for the past to become present. I agree that this is why schools must teach this book because without knowledge that texts do not have to pertain to certain guidelines or political correctness create more options for great writing pieces.
DeleteIn my opinion, "Catcher in the Rye" should continue to be read by adolescent teenagers, and be taught in Highschool. Holden is a character who can be related to by most teenagers because they can really step inside his shoes and have empathy for him. The first person form of the book really lets readers delve into Holden's mind, and all of his faux pas that become blatantly obvious to the reader. The main lesson to take from this book is about growing up and recovering from traumatic events. As readers we saw Holden begin to break down mentally throughout the book. The death of his brother Allie made him weak initially, but later in his life he witnessed another death, and then got kicked out of a lot of prep schools. By the end of the book only Holden's kid sister Phoebe revives him, and he makes the right decision to go home. After all he is only a teenager, But that brings up another topic; All of the life altering events Holden saw made him age to fast. A 16 year old should not be a heavy drinker. In fact his drinking only worsened his problems. "Catcher in the Rye" should continue to be taught because of all the lessons we learn from Holden's mistake, and how growing up fast by drinking, and trying to act like an adult does not lead to actual maturity.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Parker. I believe that the significance of Holden's dark issues from his past teach a valuable lesson to any teenage reader. Through Holden's drinking and self destructive path, I believe that JD Salinger is aiming to teach the reader a lesson. Teenagers like Holden cannot go through life keeping feelings of sadness and angst bottled up. The fact that Holden only had his "kid sister" Phoebe to rely on is depressing and bothersome; Holden truly needed grounded parents and friends at that time. Ultimately, I believe that Salinger is portraying this as the main cause of his journey to insanity.
DeleteThere is always a book in every English class where it is not mainly aimed to challenge the students with hard reading, but rather to let the students to connect with the characters based on their similarities or differences in characteristic and decisions.Holden is just like, I can bet, fifty percent of teenagers out there: self-centered and lost his or her life goal. Throughout the book, the first person point of view revealed everything in Holden's mind as he journeys through his life. By connecting themselves to Holden, the lost teenagers could learn from Holden's experience and correct their own life decisions. On the other hand, the other half of teenagers are the ones that is just perfect, and also have their set goal of life. They too can relate to this book, but not from the perspective of Holden, but to compare his or her life to Holden's. It is always great to see about other people's perspective and try to see yourself in those same shoes and make the decision based on your choice. Overall, "The Catcher in the Rye" is a a blast to read as it can relate itself to all the teenagers out there.
ReplyDeleteWoody makes an excellent point here about how any type of reader can relate to Holden's voice.
DeleteI think it is important for us to read this book is because Holden is a teenager who looses his childhood quickly and how he realates to most teenagers these days. Especially in this book the teenager gets to hear Holden thougths about the people he encounters. As Holden becames closer to home he starts changing. In the begginning Holden is practically despressed because of his brother's, Allie, death. But near the end of the book, his sister helps him become a better person. Another reason as to why this book is widely read is because of its writing structure. The auother writes in Holden point of view, in other words, the point of view of a teenager and that is why most teenagers realate to him.
ReplyDeleteFor me, what stands out most about "The Catcher in the Rye," and why I think the novel has become such a phenomenon, is the style in which Holden writes. Rather than formulate his ideas properly, Holden rambles on about whatever comes to his mind, and he seems to ramble more and more as the novel progresses. To me, it is this style of writing that makes this book such a popular read amongst schools, as few books possess the same stylistic qualities that JD Salinger produces in The Catcher.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Luke. This unique form of writing is more interesting to me, because it is almost like Holden is speaking directly to you. I like how Holden is so straightforward in his thoughts. I think this is the reason why the book was so offensive to many people when it first came out. They were not used to reading such honest, raw material. I think it is ridiculous that it was banned in some states because the author was only being honest. He was showing the true reality of how a teenager really thinks. You can't expect things to be sugarcoated forever.
DeleteAt first glance, The Catcher in the Rye appeared to me merely as a shallow tale of a typical teenager. I was unentertained, and felt as though life through Holden’s eyes was foolish, and truly meaningless. Today, I can come to admit that the immediate impression I took from the Catcher in the Rye was far from the one I finished with. In Catcher in the Rye, J. D. Salinger presents to us a novel in which we not only find a character that is relatable, but a character that forms a personal bond with the average teenager, or anyone who has made the trek through young adulthood. Through Holden, the reader is taken through a series of issues that most teenagers face today. Questions about life, love, sex, and money are often given frank and open answers that are not frequently seen as open topics of discussion. I find my respect towards Holden peak towards the end, as I gain the knowledge that he is real, and sees things in situations and people that others may dismiss. Taking a walk in Holden’s shoes through J. D. Salinger’s enlightening novel can answer any questions one could have about life. Personally, I believe that taking the time to read Catcher in the Rye was beneficial to everyday life.
ReplyDeleteThe Catcher in the Rye is worth reading even today because it provides a refreshing contrast to the typical idyllic image of the 1950s. The decade in which the book was written tends to be looked back upon with a fond nostalgia; people nowadays see the fifties as the height of the American Dream. The Catcher in the Rye, however, presents an entirely different picture of the time period, characterizing it as thoroughly "phony". The voice of Holden Caulfield, while tinged with a heavy pessimistic bias, is strikingly honest. Holden comes across as honest not because he provides a balanced and neutral account of his adventures, but rather because he describes his feelings in detail and doesn't shy away from explaining to the reader exactly what he thinks. He is highly cynical, but while the people and events in his story may not be as bad as he portrays them, he offers an enlightening perspective not found elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate Lily's point about how the book fits into the time period in which it was written.
DeleteI think Catcher in the Rye is a worthwhile component of our class because it is a marked change from most literature that we read. The cynical, crude, and sometimes cruel and nasty Holden Caulfield is a one-of-a-kind protagonist, whom most readers are conflicted about. In addition, the writing style, with its purposeful grammatical errors, stands out in a school and society where we are taught to write with impeccable grammar. So, the combination of having a unique writing style and a unique protagonist makes reading Catcher in the Rye an integral, important part of our class.
ReplyDeleteCatcher in the Rye is a worthwhile read because it shows that not all good literature has to be a specific style of writing. Literature can be written, and interpreted in any way the author or reader choose. I really enjoyed Cather in the Rye because it was brutally honest and straightforward. This book revealed the true nature of how a teenager thinks. I liked how the book didn't sugarcoat things like most books we read do. I find reading a lot more interesting when it is honest. It also taught us that we don't always have to write in a formal, cut copy way. A piece of writing that is written in a unique but intelligent way like the Cather in the Rye can be just as well written as a classic well known text. This book showed me that it is okay to think outside of the box in my writing. It showed me that I don't have to write a certain way just because everyone else does.
ReplyDeleteI agree and like how you touched upon the fact that this style of literature is its own. I also agree that it is straightforward and that it makes the book more interesting. This style of writing teaches us that we can go off on random tangents. I think it is crucial and very important that we, as readers, are exposed to this "free" style of writing. After reading this post, I am convinced that the writing style illustrated in "The Catcher In The Rye" is THE most important part of the book as a whole.
DeleteMany books have a formulaic plot and style of voice they never make you surprised, startled, or empathetic of the characters portrayed they just make you aware of the plot and characters. "Catcher in the Rye" differs because of the authors use of voice and narration to make one truly involved in the story with emotions and empathy for Holden. This voice becomes powerful because of how easily relatable it is, for the character narrating tells a story like any other teenager. From beginning to end the reader is constantly involved in the text and trying to figure out who Holden is as a person this intense writing style along with the great use of voice teach us to be better writers and to realize how our own stories can easily be amplified into something greater.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Andrew on your point of how relatable book is. Obviously it is the point of view of a teenager so everything Holden says and does is extremely relatable and even more relatable because we are also boys. I also agree with your point of how great use of voice can make us better writers. We are so often given such strict guidelines on essays that most of the time it doesn't even sound like us. But "Catcher and the Rye" teaches us that even though using a casual tone and slang may not be grammatically correct, it express our opinion and amplifies our voice which can make us better writers
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ReplyDeleteI believe the value in reading " Catcher and the Rye" is to expose the true nature of a teenager and their emotions. Often teenagers hide their real opinions or don't act themselves because they are afraid of what one may think of them. But what goes on in their head is a whole different story. "Catcher and the Rye" takes you into a teenagers mind and shows you exactly what their thinking. When Holden constantly calls stuff "phony" or attacks peoples flaws are examples of things that teenagers are thinking all the time, even though they may not express it. Overall, I believe the value of this book was to expose the real perspective of what teenagers think and show the chaotic and crazy thoughts the think off.
In my opinion, this book is valuable because it tells life as it is, and describes aspects of it in a fresh way, giving insight into the life of a teen. This book imposes morals and ethics, allowing the reader to understand life perhaps from a different vantage point. The writing style is unique and honest. It allows the reader to better understand the points being made and feel as though they're inside the main character's head. While technically this is a book, it's very different; it's more like reading (or even watching) a play, or listening to dialogue. Reading this book expands horizons, and enriches the life and opinions of the reader. While some of the main character's antics can be found distasteful and unpleasant to read, the writing style encourages readers to develop their own opinions, an uncommon aspect of books in general.
ReplyDeleteNick Pellechia
ReplyDeleteThis book is worthwhile to read. For starters, "The Catcher In The Rye" exposes the reader to a relatable character: Holden. As the main character, Holden shows us his daily life and feelings that he experiences much like many teens do today. Holden shows all of his feelings rather than telling them to the reader. This element of literature is perhaps the most important of all elements used in this book. Another reason as to why this book is a worthwhile read is that it takes place in an interesting time period. Due to the fact that the plot took place long ago, Holden drinks, smokes, (without anyone caring) and acts much differently than a teenager of his age would act like today. These are only two of the many crucial examples of why this book is a worthwhile read.
This book is worthwhile to read. For starters, "The Catcher In The Rye" exposes the reader to a relatable character: Holden. As the main character, Holden shows us his daily life and feelings that he experiences much like many teens do today. Holden shows all of his feelings rather than telling them to the reader. This element of literature is perhaps the most important of all elements used in this book. Another reason as to why this book is a worthwhile read is that it takes place in an interesting time period. Due to the fact that the plot took place long ago, Holden drinks, smokes, (without anyone caring) and acts much differently than a teenager of his age would act like today. These are only two of the many crucial examples of why this book is a worthwhile read.
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