The Catcher In The Rye

Throughout nearly everyones’ life, particularly during adolescence, there comes a time when one longs to discover their identity and purpose. This search for meaning and identity is a universal issue that crosses the boarders of class and social status, culture, race, and gender. Whether we are aware of it or not, everyone is connected by this will to understand their relevance in life. In a popular, classic novel, The Catcher In The Rye, by J.D. Salinger, this urge to discover identity is portrayed through the struggles of fictional character, Holden Caulfield. Salinger writes about Holden’s life following his expulsion from a prestigious prepatory school, Pencey Academy.
After a brief, yet captivating introduction, the plot unfolds during one frigid Saturday before Holden is forced to leave this upscale boarding school that has become his home. After a visit with a disappointed history teacher, Mr. Spencer, Holden becomes embarrassed and ashamed of his less than savory behavior. He becomes overwhelmed with the feeling of self-loathing. The disappointment his teacher and mentor, Mr. Spencer expresses causes shines a light on Holden’s shortcomings and failures that he brought upon himself.
Later that night, Holden is overcome by a strong desire to leave the academy. This desire is essentially triggered by his unhygienic neighbor and hot-shot roommate, Stradlater. Holden refuses to stay his last couple nights in the same dormitory as Stradlater. As a result, Holden decides to leave the academy early and stay at the Edmont Hotel in New York City, in an effort to avoid facing his family and revealing his failures as a student. Within the next two days, he becomes involved in wreckless and thoughtless behavior. He meets with less than savory people from his past. The journey that follows and the compromising situations he places himself in, soon leads him home to reunite with his younger sister, Phoebe.
During this journey of self discovery, I found Holden’s psychological state fascinating. yet incredibly depressing. Salinger’s portrayal of the teenage psyche creates a timeless versatility
that many teenagers today can relate to. This book has an element of emotional ups and downs. Holden encounters phases of depression, nervous breakdowns, irrational and erotic behavior, in addition to compulsive and out of control spending.
Salinger’s novel enables modern day teenagers to relate their personal issues to those of Holden. For example, Holden believes he is an extremely perceptive individual, which in reality he is anything but perceptive. He fails to realize his judgmental traits and lapse in perception by constantly finding flaws in others, but never recognizing his own shortcomings. Holden’s juvenile and naive behavior is characteristic of many young people today. Often it is easier for one to place judgment on others and neglect identifying and correcting their own flaws.
Clearly, Salinger has a strong understanding of the universal issue that often face many teenagers. He thoughtfully demonstrates these issues through the demise of Holden’s life. The novel is a timeless classic that has the ability to teach young people life’s values. Salinger’s message is sent to the reader through many interesting metaphors. While, his main points may be difficult to identify, they are important and of great value to those who are struggle with issues of identity, self-worth, and meaning in life.