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The Catcher in the Rye

 

            "The Catcher in the Rye's" Relevance in the Twenty-First Century.
             I disagree with the author's criticisms about Salinger's classic novel. The novel The Catcher in the Rye embraces the post war times of the 1950's. The author, J.D. Salinger broadens the reader's horizons for different historical time frames. Salinger puts the reader into Holden's shoes as Holden puts fourth his criticisms towards post-war society in the United States. Adolescents can relate to many criticisms Holden comprises throughout the novel. Holden expresses many feelings towards the fearfulness of growing up, his thoughts towards the museum of national history reveals that he fears change when looking towards the Eskimo's and Indians. Holden desires everything to be easily understood. Moreover, adolescents in 2003 do not comprehend the complexity of society and how many aspects of life are rapidly advancing, especially technology. Holden refuses to recognize his own flaws, believing he is invincible, although is unsuccessful in realizing the sins he acknowledges in other people he is guilty of himself. In 2003, adolescents are constantly criticized for having the mentality of "It's not going to happen to me" like Holden considering he never discussed the fears he had towards things he did not understand. For instance when Holden talks about sex and admits "Sex is something I just don't understand. I swear to God I don't" (p. 63). Phoniness is mentioned many times throughout the novel. Holden explains adults are inevitable phonies, although he is more concerned that adults cannot recognize their own superficiality. Holden's insightful attentiveness towards others phoniness, such as Sally Hayes, Carl Luce, Maurice and Sunny, recognizes he pays close attention towards other people. Nowadays the phoniness Holden discusses throughout the novel is more evident and our society has because more superficial, resulting in the perfect image being stereotyped as the only image, therefore many people try to act like people they are not.


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