The Catcher in the Rye Question 3

On to question three!  This question is all about the themes of The Catcher in the Rye.  Throughout the novel I came across two different themes that really stood out to me.  They are keeping to yourself for self-protection and the painfulness of growing up.  I can relate to both of these things, which is why I think they stand out to me. 

As for the self-protection theme, people do not like to get hurt.  That could be physically or mentally.  Many people’s reactions are to not share any of their feelings or secrets so that they can stay away from getting hurt.  Sometimes this is the best thing to do but other times; you need to share your feelings with someone.  It is difficult to keep everything bottled up inside of you.  Holden Caulfield tells Mr. Spencer that he feels trapped on “the other side” of life and he cannot figure out a way to which he feels like he belongs (Salinger 8).  As the novel progresses, we figure out that he alienates himself for his own protection.  While he was in New York for the lacrosse trip, Holden bought a red hunting hat for one dollar.  I feel that he hides under this hat of his while trying to mask his pain.

The second theme that is addressed in this novel is the pain of growing up.  I am able to feel his pain because I am a teenager and am going through some of the same stuff as him.  At points in my life, I want to avoid growing up. I want to stay a kid where it is easier in school and in relationships.  Holden tries to avoid taking the steps to maturity.  Once you reach a certain age though, you realize that you are not getting any younger and you just have to let life happen.  Holden has not realized that he needs to do that yet.

J.D. Salinger seems to know a lot about human nature, especially being a teenager.  He made Holden a character that is afraid to grow up, which is felt by a lot of kids his age.  I feel that way!  Salinger also knows how teenagers feel about relationships.  They are a big step in life and he shows that it is normal to be nervous, excited, and scared to take that step.  I believe J.D. Salinger did a fantastic job writing The Catcher in the Rye!

Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Little, Brown, 1951. Print.