Catcher In The Rye, Education, Life Stages, Acceptance | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

'Catcher in the rye' is nothing but another amazing literary feat

I did nothing but hate this book, that is, until I finally understood its meaning.

234
'Catcher in the rye' is nothing but another amazing literary feat
Oleksandr Pidvalnyi/ Pexels

In This Article:

I'm not going to lie: getting through this book took multiple long nights, multiple cups of coffee and multiple prayers to the man above that Holden Caulfield's whiny voice would soon shut up.

I didn't enjoy reading this book in any sense of the word only a couple months ago as I sat in my literature class. As another book assigned to us, I saw it as that—an assignment; another time restraint on my confusing schedule and another grade in the grade book.

A nuisance.

Once the end of the unit came around, I made sure I reread summaries and understood the general gist of the novel while I celebrated in my head. But once it finally came, the final day, I vividly remember my teacher, as she saw all the arms raised in the room who disliked the book, saying that anyone who had raised their hand to reread it once more over the summer and reflect again. Naturally, I only brushed it off.

Yet, here I was four months later, the beaten and battered book in my hands once again.

What drives scholars to love the book is its underlying themes of the passage into adulthood and emphasis on our deemed "societal norms" through Holden Caulfield's drawn- out teenage rebellion. Unlike classical literature, the book doesn't take a third person stance on these issues nor recites page after page of imagery. In fact, we, the readers, learn of Holden's struggles and his reactions to them through his own commentary. The book thus resembles a diary of sorts of Holden's transformation from wanting to forever stay a child into accepting his new life stage as becoming an adult. The whining I loathed so much while in school became one of the most important reasons why I love the book now.

"Catcher In The Rye" is the physical manifestation of Holden's own mind, and is as a result, is confusing and twisting and turning at points that seem unfitting to the narration through his frequent digressions and wandering. However, from a second reading, I realized that this is exactly what J. D. Salinger had wanted his book to sound and feel like. He wanted confusion, both emotional and maturity extremes, as well as sophisticated sections working together to help the reader understand not what the physical problems were around Holden, but to understand his conflicting teenage and adult mentality being at such a crucial part in his life. "Catcher In The Rye" is the story of Holden fighting against himself, and through his own narration, we are able to put ourselves in his shoes to see his seemingly bleak world through his eyes. All he wants to do is to be that catcher in the rye field to help kids from falling into adulthood.

From this perspective, I now understand J. D. Salinger's almost disappointing ending. The story told in this book was not a romance, nor comedy nor depressing read— it was the story of a boy coming to terms with his new life through his own adventures and interactions with others around him. It's not meant to be a fun journey because life isn't always fun. J. D. Salinger made sure that at the times that Holden was hurt, angry, or sad at the world, we felt betrayed as well creating such an accurate portrayal of the childish to mature mentality progression. Instead of skimming through pages of lengthy descriptions of flowers or a character's surroundings, I found myself looking deeper into Holden's rambles, reading every word and noting every shift. Holden survived through a messy journey and finally came to terms with accepting himself; I followed behind and became reflective as to where I am now.

In all, this book was a fresh breath of air into looking into the mindset of a teenager to see their perspective on the world at their crucial moment of accepting themselves as an adult. It is the only book I know that has been able to show the teenage perspective as close as it is to real life, being brutal, blunt, messy, and reflective all at the same time.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23937
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9995
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7248
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments