Should Catcher in the Rye be taught?

A detailed Summary of Should Catcher in the Rye be taught?

Yes, Catcher in the Rye should be taught. However, it should not be taught to everyone. It should be taught in upper level high school classes and college courses. This way the student readers are mature enough to understand the novel the way in which it was meant to be read. The novel presents a very descriptive and accurate, although somewhat extreme, representation of a teenagers mind. This allows student readers to identify with the book and therefore easily see the themes show in it. Critics wish to ban this novel for its depressing view of life and its mature themes and languages. However, it is these things that the reader can take the best lessons from.

Teenagers seem to be able to easily connect with Holden Caudfield. He is a very real character with very strong and real emotions and reactions. Throughout the novel, he experiences loneliness, fear, depression, and a deep desire to be loved and accepted. These things are major parts of a teenager's life. The novel shows a deep insight into the life of an adolescent, and how foolish reactions contribute greatly to his downfall.

Many critics who wish to ban Catcher in the Rye from schools claim that the book is dangerous because students will attempt to emulate

the actions of Holden. However, just by reading the novel one can see that this is entirely false. Salinger purposely and clearly makes Holden's reactions to the world look stupid. Students can see that Holden's actions are very immature and destructive. The reader can immediately identify that Holden is headed for a fall. Throughout the novel, Holden is constantly speaking whatever is on his mind. Many readers are impressed by and jealous of his ability to do so. However, they also recognize that this trait in many ways leads to his downfall, because society tends to reject this type of action. Holden also attempts, at points, to conform to the society he despises with obviously poor results. This provides the reader with somewhat of an understanding of the fact that both rebelling against and conforming to society have their dark sid!

Seeing this obviously materialistic shallowness in Holden, the reader is practically forced to see the same sentiments within himself. This forced introspection is one of the major reasons for teaching this novel. Where other books fail to accomplish this, Catcher in the Rye manages to do this to the reader at every turn in the novel.

This novel wil

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Approximate Word count = 813
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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Should Catcher in the Rye be taught?

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