The Catcher in the Rye

[student]

I just finished Salinger's classic. I am sure that most of you have had the chance to read it, and I find myself curious about your thoughts regarding the novel. What do you all think is the stem of Holden's psychological deficiencies? Does he wish no more then to live in a cherubic past? Was his brother Allie's demise the "straw that broke the camel's back" so to speak? I found this novel thuroughly interesting, and I would be pleased to know the conceptions of my fellow forum members!

 

[Tragdor]

I didn't like the book at all. It didn't seem to have any message and was a fairly boring story.

I will proablaly read it again when I am older, when I can fully understand what Salinger's message was to the reader.

 

[RedWolf]

I tried to read it because it's one of my girlfriend's favourites. I figured we could discuss it or something afterwards.

Couldn't finish it since it seemed to be about nothing. I felt as if there was a complete lack of any plot.

One of the few books I couldn't get through.

 

[student]

Although many would share your sentiment that The Catcher in the Rye (herein referred to as "Catcher") has a boring story, I do not share your view that it is without a message. From what I gathered, Catcher explores the inherent "end to innocence" that most people can be said to experience in their formative years, and also delves into the concept of personal identity. Phoebe's accusation that Holden "doesn't like anything" seems to hold, except in cases of things that remain essentially unchanged (the museum, the carousel, etc.). Holden wants to hang on to his innocence, which is why he gets so distinctly upset at the profanity he reads at the mummy exhibit, and that would also explain why he wants to be a "catcher in the rye", so that he can "catch" children before they fall out of innocence.

When reading Catcher, one has to keep in mind that it serves not to merely entertain (unlike most "exciting" novels), but to enlighten and explore.

 

[RedWolf]

Originally posted by student
Although many would share your sentiment that The Catcher in the Rye (herein referred to as "Catcher") has a boring story, I do not share your view that it is without a message. From what I gathered, Catcher explores the inherent "end to innocence" that most people can be said to experience in their formative years, and also delves into the concept of personal identity. Phoebe's accusation that Holden "doesn't like anything" seems to hold, except in cases of things that remain essentially unchanged (the museum, the carousel, etc.). Holden wants to hang on to his innocence, which is why he gets so distinctly upset at the profanity he reads at the mummy exhibit, and that would also explain why he wants to be a "catcher in the rye", so that he can "catch" children before they fall out of innocence.

When reading Catcher, one has to keep in mind that it serves not to merely entertain (unlike most "exciting" novels), but to enlighten and explore.

The problem was that i didn't feel "enlightened" because usually when I am - I also feel entetained. With this one - nothin'.

 

[student]

I agree that enlightenment often means entertained as well. Perhaps giving Catcher a 2nd try would be in order? Perhaps this is not the case with you, but I know that in the past when I am not acquiring the enjoyment and understanding out of classic novels that I probably should be, it is because I am looking at the novel with the wrong mindset, preconceived or otherwise.

Does anyone share my views on the novel and wish to comment on the questions in the original post?

 

[Turner]

Never read it. Need to get around to doing that someday.

 

[sourboy]

I thought it was a great book. It's one of only two fictional books I care for. I won't go as far as detail until I understand it better, as I have only read it once - about a year ago. I do remember thinking there was a deep point that many would overlook.

 

[Dark Ascendant]

I read it a few month ago. I liked it because the Holden character was pretty funny at places, like when he thought about being a deaf-mute. Holden was IMO pretty much a jerk. I just couldn't stand that he couldn't put up with ANYTHING, that EVERYTHING to him was "phonie". I read the entire novel thinking: GROW UP!

It's interesting that he's innocent and sinful at the same time. Interesting guy, but not likable.

 

[Darth_Pugwash]

I've been meaning to read it for a while, but have never got around to it yet.

 

[cgannon64]

I really liked it. I'll have to read it again to try to get a little deeper.

The ending is the best, because it sums up everything - trying to wipe all the ****s off the wall but there is just too many and they keep on coming back...

EDIT: And I don't think he was crazy at all. I think everyone has moments where they look at the world and they say "This makes no ****ing sense. Everyone is insane" especially when you're let down by someone you trust, like he was with the teacher.

 

[student]

Yes Dark Ascendant, Holden did have a tendancy to overanalyze and call everything phonie. But did you notice that no matter how detrimentally he talks of someone, he always finds one good thing about them? Another sign of his innocence poking through. Cgcannon, I agree with your statement about the ending. The part that I found particularly humerous (and that sums up Holden perfectly), is that he thought they would write that particular prophane phrase on his tombstone. Do you guys think he deserved to be put in a "rest home"?

 

[Gothmog]

I liked your analysis student, I haven't read the book for... oh 20 years? It was the first book that I read first for school that I actually enjoyed. What I remember thinking about is was that Holden was an interesting character to read about but who would be a ***** to know. He seemed admirable in some strange way in the book, until you analyzed his personal relationships.

He was, to put it bluntly, spoiled. A good example of someone who would have benefited from having a purpose in life; a reason to work hard at something, to try and create something real himself, to have a connection to something larger than himself.

This is another aspect of growing up, of the 'end of innocence' as you put it. The loss of the self absorbed nature of youth. The realization that you are just another human and that to create anything real is very difficult. Most people never do.

 

[covok48]

I read that book about a year ago and enjoyed it.

Being a bit liberal on the subject, I always wondered why everyone thought he was looney. An immature high school kid yes, but hell, so were alot of kids I knew!

I thought he had good analysis at times and thought...

"If he's in an environment he doesn't like with people he doesn't like, and you take away the only thing that mattered to him, wouldn't you be a little upset too?"

 

[student]

covok, I think his psychological deficiencies become most evident when one looks at all of his mood swings and fantasy episodes, as well as the fact that he seems very mendatious when telling stories to others. His problems become more glarring when his fantasy world comes to the forfront, such as his occasional fear of crossing the street.

gothmog, I agree that Holden seemed very spoiled, and generally unwilling for comprimise. His behavioral aspects seem steeped in hipocracy as well

 

[Leha]

It is one of greatest books I ever read.
BTW, student. I recommend you to read all Salinger's novels about Grass family.

 

[student]

I thank you for your recommendation, leha. I shall add said books to my growing "to read" list. I think many of you will share my opinion that unfortunatly, everyones "to read" list is often much lengthier then their "has enough time to read" list.

 

[Goober]

I probably am going to be forced to read this, for English. Well, thanfully, I have www.sparksnotes.com . . .

 

[student]

RealGoober, why do you have such a pessimistic view on Catcher?

 

[De Lorimier]

I had to read this book as part of an english class in high school. It was an eye-opener at that time. I guess you appreciate this book more if you're actually living some of the same experiences that Holden is living at the same period.