Although written in the 1950's, The Catcher In The Rye is still a relevant novel for adolescents living in the 21st century. J.D. Salinger expresses his views on American culture and society in the text. These views from 1950's adolescent culture can still be compared to the adolescent culture of today.
Holden's character was meant to represent the stereotypical 50's teenager. His behavior highlights his attitude towards himself and others, and how people see him as a person. Unlike typical 50's teens, Holden wears his hat backwards, uses swear words and also slang terms such as "bucks" instead of dollars. He involves himself in fights and flunks out of school; these are all actions of rebellion against the expectations of adults. This juvenile behavior is still prevalent today in modern culture. For example, hoodies, messy hair, and body piercings of modern teens bring Holden's character back to life. Having a careless attitude towards themselves and others also contribute to this "delinquent" behavior. We have the need to do whatever we want without the fear of consequences.
Even if it's only in a small way, I think that everyone can relate to Holden. Certain aspects of his character are common in most teenagers, especially rebelliousness. A sense of independence and movement towards maturity causes young adults to rebel against their parents, teachers, and friends.
Holden seems to feel separated from adult society. Teens today also have problems incorporating themselves into society. We possess both immaturity and independence which makes us resistant as well as acceptant to society's norms. His persistent use of words like "goddamn," "hell," and "crap" illustrates his rebellion from adult society, but also show more of a mature side. His ideas on sexuality show both his child like and adult sides.
EX: While staying at a hotel, Holden orders a prostitute. When she arrives, Holden says that he is still willing to pay her but he wasn't "in the mood" (96) to have sex. His inner adult wants to have sex, but his inner child is afraid to. Throughout the book he constantly makes excuses why he doesn't have sex with women saying, "I can never get really sexy. . . with a girl I don't like a lot. . . I sort of lose my goddamn desire for her and all. . . my sex life stinks." (148) Sex continues to remain a common issue for teens.
In efforts to act like an adult, he also spends a majority of his time trying to get alcohol. However, when he finally succeeds, he becomes very intoxicated. This is also a sign of immaturity and irresponsability.
EXERPT: "I kept sitting there getting drunk and waiting for old Tina and Janine to come out and do their stuff. . . I was getting drunk as hell. . . getting drunk as a bastard." (149)
The Catcher in The Rye also demonstrates Holden's discomfort with his loss of innocence and rebellion. Symbols were used to convey these feelings. The red hunting hat was used to symbolize the criticism of adults. The ugliness and somewhat unique appeal of the hat is supposed to separate him from the rest of society. It shielded him from things he didn't like in the world.
EXERPT: "My hunting hat really gave me quite a lot of protection, in a way, but I got soaked anyway." (213)
The carousel stood for childhood. I noticed that he didn't get on with Phoebe, and I figured maybe he came to the realization that a time comes where you must move on. The fact that Holden liked that "Oh, Marie!" was still playing gave readers an idea that he didn't like change. I figure that this is why the museum appealed to him as well.
EXERPT: "The best thing, though, in that museum was that everything always stayed right where it was. Nobody'd move. . . Nobody'd be different. The only thing that would be different would be you." (121)
All of these feelings can be compared to those of modern day young adults.
The 1950's version of adolescence in the novel isn't that much different from today. Teen years are difficult and it is the time when one undergoes the transformation from an innocent child to a mature adult. From the time the novel was written up until today, attitudes of adolescents haven't really had enough time to change to the point where the book is no longer relevant. No matter what decade it is, teens will always feel the need to be independent, desire a need of a unique identity, and long for a meaning. Just like Holden Caulfield.
Holden's character was meant to represent the stereotypical 50's teenager. His behavior highlights his attitude towards himself and others, and how people see him as a person. Unlike typical 50's teens, Holden wears his hat backwards, uses swear words and also slang terms such as "bucks" instead of dollars. He involves himself in fights and flunks out of school; these are all actions of rebellion against the expectations of adults. This juvenile behavior is still prevalent today in modern culture. For example, hoodies, messy hair, and body piercings of modern teens bring Holden's character back to life. Having a careless attitude towards themselves and others also contribute to this "delinquent" behavior. We have the need to do whatever we want without the fear of consequences.
Even if it's only in a small way, I think that everyone can relate to Holden. Certain aspects of his character are common in most teenagers, especially rebelliousness. A sense of independence and movement towards maturity causes young adults to rebel against their parents, teachers, and friends.
Holden seems to feel separated from adult society. Teens today also have problems incorporating themselves into society. We possess both immaturity and independence which makes us resistant as well as acceptant to society's norms. His persistent use of words like "goddamn," "hell," and "crap" illustrates his rebellion from adult society, but also show more of a mature side. His ideas on sexuality show both his child like and adult sides.
EX: While staying at a hotel, Holden orders a prostitute. When she arrives, Holden says that he is still willing to pay her but he wasn't "in the mood" (96) to have sex. His inner adult wants to have sex, but his inner child is afraid to. Throughout the book he constantly makes excuses why he doesn't have sex with women saying, "I can never get really sexy. . . with a girl I don't like a lot. . . I sort of lose my goddamn desire for her and all. . . my sex life stinks." (148) Sex continues to remain a common issue for teens.
In efforts to act like an adult, he also spends a majority of his time trying to get alcohol. However, when he finally succeeds, he becomes very intoxicated. This is also a sign of immaturity and irresponsability.
EXERPT: "I kept sitting there getting drunk and waiting for old Tina and Janine to come out and do their stuff. . . I was getting drunk as hell. . . getting drunk as a bastard." (149)
The Catcher in The Rye also demonstrates Holden's discomfort with his loss of innocence and rebellion. Symbols were used to convey these feelings. The red hunting hat was used to symbolize the criticism of adults. The ugliness and somewhat unique appeal of the hat is supposed to separate him from the rest of society. It shielded him from things he didn't like in the world.
EXERPT: "My hunting hat really gave me quite a lot of protection, in a way, but I got soaked anyway." (213)
The carousel stood for childhood. I noticed that he didn't get on with Phoebe, and I figured maybe he came to the realization that a time comes where you must move on. The fact that Holden liked that "Oh, Marie!" was still playing gave readers an idea that he didn't like change. I figure that this is why the museum appealed to him as well.
EXERPT: "The best thing, though, in that museum was that everything always stayed right where it was. Nobody'd move. . . Nobody'd be different. The only thing that would be different would be you." (121)
All of these feelings can be compared to those of modern day young adults.
The 1950's version of adolescence in the novel isn't that much different from today. Teen years are difficult and it is the time when one undergoes the transformation from an innocent child to a mature adult. From the time the novel was written up until today, attitudes of adolescents haven't really had enough time to change to the point where the book is no longer relevant. No matter what decade it is, teens will always feel the need to be independent, desire a need of a unique identity, and long for a meaning. Just like Holden Caulfield.