The Catcher in the Rye #6

I think that we still read The Catcher in the Rye for a number of reasons. For starters, it is actually a really good classic novel. Most older novels are very dated and boring, but this novel still can be related to our generation. Holden's voice during the novel is so raw, and real, that many kids in the present and even in the future will be able to relate to many of his experiences. This is actually a reason most high school teachers assign this book to read. Their students all find different ways to relate to Holden's experiences and his personality. Even back when my parents were in high school, back in the 1970's and the 1980's, they were supposed to read the novel. This shows how Holden's voice can transcend generations and decades.

Holden has many fears about growing up and becoming an adult that he suppresses throughout the novel and his life. The pressures that society places on teenagers today are endless, like: to graduate high school with good grades, get into a good college, get a well paying job, and support a family. With these pressures teenagers can really relate to the feelings Holden has about wanting to get away from it all, and be alone. Holden leaves his school days early, to be alone in his thoughts without anyone knowing. Most teenagers would jump at the chance today to be alone and just contemplate all of their thoughts.

Another reason we still read this novel is because it addresses so many problems teenagers face, in any time period. The novel discusses Holden's views on sex, isolation from others, and insaneness. Holden's confused view on sexuality is a topic for much discussion from readers, same goes with why he isolates himself from his loved ones. Also, readers can discuss the severity of Holden's insaneness. Holden treats it very lightly for the severity of his mental illness seems to be, "-especially this one psychoanalyst guy they have here". (Salinger 213).

Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Little, Brown, 1951. Print.