The Catcher in the Rye
I never took this book seriously until this week. I have to say, I can see why it is considered a classic. From my experience, you really don’t know you’re reading a classic until you are approaching the end or completely finished. The character of Holden Caulfield will stay with me a long time.
Getting past his whiney attitude and calling everything phony, I am completely struck by his realness. I knew immediately he had some serious mental issues. I decided to search the internet tonight and see if anyone has explored this concept and I was pleased to find 2 great articles (1 and 2). Having had many close relationships with people who had/have a mental illness, I feel like I view Holden in a different light than most of the analyses I read on his character.
I think it’s sad that most people lashed out against him and he is being kicked out of schools left and right. This is a pattern that may not be a fault of his own. Considering that J.D. Salinger, the author, displayed similar symptoms, the old adage that every book is an autobiography is reinforced. With proper help, people like Holden can do good.
If you have never read this book, I would highly recommend it. If you forced to read this book and hated it, I would ask you to consider reading it again with no time restraints. There is nothing like a classic.
Among other things, you’ll find that 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. Many, many men have been just as troubled morally and spiritually as you are right now. Happily, some of them kept records of their troubles. You’ll learn from them - if you want to. Just as someday, if you have something to offer, someone will learn something from you. It’s a beautiful reciprocal arrangement. And it isn’t education. It’s history. It’s poetry.
Mr. Antolini from The Catcher in the Rye … this is the best advice from a sexual predator I’ve ever heard.
According to Astronomers, when you wish upon a star you’re actually a few million years late..that star is dead; just like your dreams.
Spoken like a true iconoclast. I love this dude.
