Comments | my_lifes_a_lie: (без темы)

my_lifes_a_lie

(Untitled)

Dec 19, 2007 16:22

I don't quite understand "The Catcher in the Rye". Why is it so highly praised? The delinquent, angry and spoiled teenager criticizes the world for being "phony" but how has he shown any true character? How has he spent his life? Getting kicked out of college prep schools. How does he help our economy to grow? Or make a life for himself? Or learn ( Read more... )

Comments 7

funkysnake December 19 2007, 23:33:11 UTC

It's a book.
Made for entertainment.
Kind of like The Bible.
I'm not saying this book is anything like The Bible because it isnt; but in the same way that its words on paper.
Not everyone will agree.
donth8meplz

my_lifes_a_lie December 20 2007, 20:45:05 UTC

Hahhaa true. And why would I hate you for your opinion? I understand what you're saying. I just find a lot more meaning in books like The Bible. Maybe I'm too stuck on finding meaning in EVERYTHING and don't focus enough on just enjoying stuff.

Either way, I didn't really enjoy it. You're reading it, right?

funkysnake December 21 2007, 06:31:38 UTC

yeah it rules

(The comment has been removed)

my_lifes_a_lie December 24 2007, 07:06:22 UTC

Wow. Thank you Shelby! I never thought of it like that. :) That makes sense.

p.s. I love you.

squantin December 25 2007, 22:44:01 UTC

although i agree that salinger did not intend for holden to be a role model for his readers, i think there actually is something to be gleaned from the book. at the point when holden is in a field trying to catch the kids who are about to fall over the edge, i think he's dealing with his fear of growing up. he shuns society and "phonies" because he is uncomfortable with the idea of becoming one of them. he wants to remain an innocent, carefree child, although he is becoming drawn to more adult things (hence his perhaps exaggerated obsession with sex and alcohol)... an almost inevitable part of aging. i think that's also why he becomes so enraged when he sees the profanity etched into the public building (was it a school or a museum? ... i haven't read the book in a couple of years) where children can read it.

i wasn't particularly enamored with the book, but that's what i got out of it...

squantin December 25 2007, 22:44:39 UTC

p.s. i don't think i know you...

my_lifes_a_lie December 26 2007, 05:40:39 UTC

that's quite alright. i like your insight. :) thanks