The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger - 602 Words

Adolescents have to face challenges because they are still developing, yet at times are treated as fully developed human beings. J. D. Salinger explores the thoughts of an adolescent in his book, The Catcher in the Rye, showing Holden Caulfield’s perspective of the world. Holden Caulfield shows symptoms of mental illness because he is constantly depressed by everything, beyond what a normal adolescent should be feeling. Holden shows signs of depression because he is, shockingly, depressed. He cannot look at a situation without seeing wrong in it. The American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry states that symptoms of depression can be, â€Å"Feelings of guilt and self blame for things that are one’s own fault †¦ Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness† (AACAP, Depression). This can be applied because most of Holden’s depression stems from guilt and hopeless situations he pictures everyone in. Taking a small detail and turning it into a big deal is a sign of issues. Holden takes compliments as insults, such as when he is leaving Mr. Spencer’s house, â€Å"After I shut the door and started back to the living room, he yelled something at me, but I couldnt exactly hear him. Im pretty sure he yelled ‘Good luck!’ at me. I hope not. I hope to hell not. Id never yell ‘Good luck!’ at anybody. It sounds terrible, when you think about it† (Salinger, 15). Taking a saying that is supposed to encourage people, and warping its meaning until it is a bad thing shows mental instability. NoShow MoreRelatedThe Catcher Of The Rye, By J. D. Salinger1699 Words   |  7 Pages The play Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, and the novel The Catcher in the Rye, written by J. D. Salinger follow the lives of two protagonists’ as they are each individually shaped by society’s idea of prosperity. The protagonists of both the novel and the play, Holden and Macbeth, exhibit similar qualities tha t allow them to attempt to achieve ultimate greatness and find success. Both the novel The Catcher in the Rye and the play Macbeth demonstrate the pressure there is on men to prosperRead MoreCatcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger1159 Words   |  5 Pages Catcher in the Rye is one of the most famous books in American literature. Written by J. D. Salinger, it captures the epitome of adolescence through Salinger’s infamous anti-hero, Holden Caulfield. Holden Caulfield learns about himself and his negative tendencies, and realizes that if he does not do something to change his perspective, he may end up like his acquaintance James Castle whom he met at Elkton Hills. Holden tries to find help to mend his outlook on life through Mr. Antolini so he doesRead MoreThe Catcher in the Rye, by J. D. Salinger1187 Words   |  5 Pagesto be considered abnormal, either because of no obvious environmental causes, or because the reaction to unfortunate life circumstances is more intense or prolonged than would generally be expected (Random House). Throughout the novel, â€Å"The Catcher in the Rye,† the reader is inside the head of the troubled and depressed main character and narrator, Holden Caulfield. We, as the readers are able to see every thought that Holden has throughout the novel. Many of Holden’s thoughts scream depression.Read MoreThe Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger2004 Words   |  9 PagesThe Catcher in the Rye is a popular novel written by J.D. Salinger. Published in 1951, the book was originally written for adults, but it is now remembered and adored by people from all parts of the world and people from all walks of life – especially by teenagers – a likely effect that was only inevitable considering the center stage of the narrator the great crumby flake Holden Caulfield, to use his style of speaking, who accurately portrayed teenage angst and loneliness in a style that many youngstersRead MoreSymbolism In The Catcher In The Rye By J. D. Salinger791 Words   |  4 PagesIn the Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, there are many items of symbolism. The symbolism in the story keeps Holden sain. Some items of symbolism are Holdens’ brothers baseball mit, the school s Holden gets kicked out of, and the carousels gold rings. The baseball mit and the carousels’ gold rings are positive representation of symbolism, whereas the schools, are negative. The baseball mit, Holden has from his dead brother Allie, keeps Holden tranquil. The baseball mit first appears in theRead MoreArrogance in The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger Essay examples1767 Words   |  8 Pagesreally mean? According to merriam-webster.com (2014), the definition of arrogance is, â€Å"an insulting way of thinking or behaving that comes from believing you are better, smarter,or more important than other people† (Def. 1). In the novels The Catcher in the Rye and Siddhartha, the main characters both possess the trait of arrogance, but both express the trait in different forms. The root causes for both characters arrogance are very unrelated, but both roots lead to the same ending. Two completelyRead MoreThe Catcher In The Rye by J. D. Salinger and Looking For Alaska by John Green1729 Words   |  7 PagesAmerican history. The Catcher In The Rye and Looking For Alaska, two American novels about young adulthood, provide an insight on the commonalities and differences between these two generations and their unique American experiences. The two novels written by J.D. Salinger and John Green, respectively, were written fifty-four years apart, but their similarities are nonpareil. In fact, Green cites The Catcher In The Rye as an inspiration for his novel. The Catcher In The Rye and Looking For AlaskaRead MoreA Short Biography of J.D. Salinger1316 Words   |  6 Pages J. D. Salinger was an American writer who wrote fiction short stories and novels. Some critics dont like his books, yet others do. He had a remarkable life and story. Salinger was an influential 20th century American writer whose works were very scrutinized. Jerome David Salinger was born on January 1, 1919. He was known as J. D. Salinger. He was born in New York, New York. His fathers name was Sol Salinger. His mothers name was Miriam Jillich Salinger. His father was Jewish and his motherRead MoreJD Salinger Research Paper1671 Words   |  7 Pages Jerome David Salinger, also known as J. D. Salinger, is a fascinating author best known for his novel, Catcher in the Rye. Although Salinger only published one novel, he wrote several short stories for magazines like The New Yorker and Story. A large number of these stories went on to be compiled into books such as Nine Stories, Franny and Zooey, and Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction. Despite the fact Salinger has not published any stories in over 45 years, his reputationRead MoreCatcher In The Rye Essay example1672 Words   |  7 PagesFrom the Outside, Looking In Despite the debate that may wage on regarding the status to be afforded J. D. Salingers writings, the authors books have not quietly faded into obscurity. Although published almost a half-century ago, the authors most famous work, Catcher in the Rye, enjoys almost as healthy and devoted a following today as the book did when it was first published. Because of a self-imposed exile that began almost at the same time the Salingers career was just taking off, much