"Among other things, you'll find you're not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior. You're by no means alone on that score, you'll be excited and stimulated to know."
In J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye we are introduced to Holden Caulfield, a young man who has been dismissed from his private school Pencey Prep. As we are introduced to him from his own point of view we discover this is not the first time. He has continued to flunk out of private schools for quite some time, but as he continues his introduction we realize it is not for lack of intellect but rather lack of interest.
Over the next several days we follow Holden's life as he avoids returning home to his family and facing his parents, where he will have to explain why he has once again been expelled. He heads to New York (where his family resides) but instead avoids going home through numerous activities such as staying at a hotel, going out to bars though he is underage, attempting to hire a hooker, ringing up ex girlfriend Sally Hayes for a date as well as an old prep school friend, and eventually sneaks to see his younger sister.
Through all of these activities is when we really discover Holden's character. He is extremely depressed which he refers to over and over again. It seems almost impossible for him to find any joy in anything, but rather is constantly referring to how any item, person, or activity only deepens his despair.
"I'm the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life. It's awful. If I'm on my way to the store to buy a magazine, even, and somebody asks me where I'm going, I'm liable to say I'm going to the opera. It's terrible."
For the reader, it is difficult to not let your mind go to these dark and depressing corners of your mind while reading this novel. Though the story is filled with teenage angst and contemplation of "what's the point to life" even as an adult it is difficult to not feel the same way. Holden's attitude towards others seems more like a projection than a reflection of what is around him. He continues to mess with people when he has conversations, making up lies or goading them, yet he constantly is speaking about how fake everyone is. But it seems to the reader that it is Holden who is constantly putting on a mask. I had the continual feeling that in order to preserve his despair and not face his lack of ability or lack of desire he continues to project his own character on those around him. It is true some of the people in his life are pretty ridiculous and superficial, but according to Holden everyone is this way.
The only thing in his life that seems to make him happy in any way is his younger sister. And it is really easy to see why. He admires her, not only for being younger and already so talented, but because she loves unconditionally. It is in her that he is unable to project these depressing thoughts, but rather seems encouraged to make himself better and worthy of her praise. She loves him so much and she would follow him anywhere which she attempts when he threatens to leave forever. It is for her love that he ultimately faces his future rather than running from it.
"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 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."
I don't want to worry any future readers that the entire book is just a depressing mess that leaves you questioning your worth. Holden's love for his sister is so uplifting and you realize that even in his deepest despair, there is still some sign of hope and love amongst him. He also is rather funny in his cynicism especially when it comes to referring to women. And most importantly, through his questioning of his purpose he never seems to question the value of living. So while it has angst, it doesn't repeat the same tone of Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar which has a much darker undertone.
The Catcher in the Rye has been long considered a classic, dealing with questions that we have all faced in our lives. Though it is set among the life of a teenager, its undertones and situations apply to anyone who reads it.
"Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody."
I never understood what makes this a classic. Do you?
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