Literary Value of Catcher in Modern Education

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2020/04/28
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J.D. Salinger’s *The Catcher in the Rye* should be included in Penn Manor’s Literature curriculum because of its profound ability to present an accurate and descriptive representation of a teenager’s mind, its use of locations as symbols that represent a phony and cruel world, and its depiction of Salinger’s own life experiences and the conflicts he encountered during his school years. By examining these aspects, students can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of adolescence and the societal structures that influence young people.

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Understanding the Teenage Mind

The Catcher in the Rye offers an accurate and descriptive representation of a teenager’s mind through the character of Holden Caulfield. Salinger skillfully captures the conflicts that Holden faces, which remain relatable to teenagers today. Holden, a 16-year-old boy, views the world as full of phonies and struggles with the idea of growing up. He experiences relationship issues, family problems, and mental conflicts, mirroring the pressures faced by many adolescents. English teacher Samantha Schmidt remarks on the book's relatability, stating, "Even if our own situations are not as severe as Holden’s, we still go through pressures that are put on us as we enter the adult world" (Munasinghe). This sentiment underscores the universal nature of Holden's struggles. Holden’s desire to connect with others is hindered by his fear of emotional investment, which he believes will lead to disappointment and depression. Despite his often apathetic demeanor, Holden occasionally shows genuine emotion, as seen when he reflects on his departure from Pencey Prep: "What I was really hanging out around for, I was trying to feel some kind of good-by. I mean I’ve left schools and places I didn’t even know I was leaving them. I hate that. I don’t care if it’s a sad good-by or a bad good-by, but when I leave a place I like to know I’m leaving it. If you don’t, you feel even worse" (Salinger 7). This passage highlights Holden's internal conflict and his desire for closure, a feeling that resonates with many teenagers transitioning into adulthood.

Symbolism and the Phony World

The Catcher in the Rye uses locations and objects as symbols to convey Holden's perception of a phony and cruel world. For instance, the schools Holden attends—Pencey Prep and Elkton Hills—represent the superficiality and hypocrisy of the adult world. Pencey Prep's motto, "Since 1888 we have been molding boys into splendid, clear-thinking young men," is ironic to Holden, who finds few students who fit this description. These schools symbolize a corrupt system designed by privileged adults, catering to those who aspire to join their ranks. Similarly, Radio City Music Hall represents the inauthenticity of popular culture. The Christmas show and the sentimental war movie manipulate the audience into glorifying war and the military, which Holden despises. He observes the people around him, noting, "They were so ignorant, and they had those sad, fancy hats on and all. And that business about getting up early to see the first show at Radio City Music Hall depressed me" (Salinger 98). This passage illustrates Holden's disdain for societal norms and the superficial pursuits of those around him. Additionally, Allie’s left-handed baseball glove serves as a poignant symbol of Holden’s love for his deceased brother and his struggle to cope with loss. Allie had written poems in green ink on the glove, providing Holden with a tangible connection to his brother’s memory: "So what I did, I wrote about my brother Allie’s baseball mitt God, he was a nice kid, though. He used to laugh so hard at something he thought of at the dinner table that he just about fell off his chair" (Salinger 49-50). The glove represents Holden's longing for innocence and his difficulty in accepting change.

Salinger’s Life Experiences and Literary Influence

The Catcher in the Rye is enriched by J.D. Salinger’s own life experiences and the conflicts he encountered during his school years. Salinger and Holden Caulfield share similarities in their insularity, personal history, and romantic relationships. Like Holden, Salinger struggled academically, having flunked out of McBurney School. Holden’s academic failures are reflected in his statement, "Well. . . they’ll be pretty irritated about it. They really will. This is about the fourth school I’ve gone to" (Salinger 13). This parallel between author and character adds authenticity to Holden's narrative. Salinger’s tumultuous love life also informs Holden’s experiences. Salinger’s relationship with Oona O’Neill, described by Gloria Murray as having a "mysterious quality," mirrors Holden’s reflections on his interactions with girls: "I was half in love with her by the time we sat down. That’s the thing about girls. Every time they do something pretty, even if they’re not much to look at, or even if they’re sort of stupid, you fall half in love with them, and then you never know where the hell you are. Girls. Jesus Christ. They can drive you crazy. They really can" (Salinger 95). This insight into adolescent infatuation and uncertainty is relatable to young readers navigating similar experiences.

Conclusion

Despite its explicit language, sexual content, and themes of mental health and suicide, The Catcher in the Rye remains a vital component of high school and university literature curricula. Stephen Sandford of the Washington Post argues that excluding a book due to perceived lack of resonance with specific demographics is "close-minded and misguided." In today’s media landscape, teenagers are frequently exposed to explicit content through music, movies, and social media. Embracing Salinger’s work in an educational setting provides an opportunity for guided exploration and discussion of its themes. By examining the intricate portrayal of adolescence, the symbolic use of settings, and the autobiographical elements woven into the narrative, students gain valuable insights into the challenges of growing up and the societal structures that shape their lives. Ultimately, The Catcher in the Rye's exploration of the teenage psyche, its critique of societal norms, and the personal experiences it reflects make it an essential addition to Penn Manor’s Literature curriculum, offering timeless lessons that resonate with each new generation of readers.

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Literary Value of Catcher in Modern Education. (2020, Apr 28). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/about-teenagers-mind-in-the-catcher-in-the-rye/