Evaluation

I am going to be evaluating the book The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger. The Catcher in the Rye is one of the most popular novels of all time; it is the second most taught book in American High schools. It is also one of the most banned books of all time. The novel’s risqué themes and harsh language have made it very controversial. Also, the fact that The Catcher in the Rye has been blamed for influencing Mark David Chapman to kill John Lennon makes it very controversial.
The criteria I will be using to evaluate the novel will be the usage of harsh language throughout the novel, themes, symbols, motifs, and the novel as a mind control mechanism.
There is a ton of harsh language throughout the novel. Words such as “fuck”, “shit”, and “goddam” are continually used. There are also many adult situations that Holden Caulfield, the novels main character, encounters. Some of these include an encounter with a prostitute, underage drinking, and smoking.
Some themes that are prevalent throughout the novel include Alienation and innocence. Holden is alone for the majority of the novel. He feels as if he doesn’t belong in society, so he tries to keep mostly to himself. Eventually, we start to see that Holden’s main reason for isolating himself from society is because he feels it is the only way he can protect himself. If he doesn’t interact with others, he feels like he is better then them. But in reality, Holden is usually overwhelmed and scared when interacting with people. Overall, Holden’s alienation is the main cause of his pain.
Innocence is another theme that is prevalent throughout the novel. Holden is fixated on saving the children from the dirtiness and phonies he sees in the real world. The main focus of innocence in the novel is sexual. Holden feels that he has to protect children from sex because he sees it as dirty. Holden is also “The Catcher in the Rye.” In this metaphor, he envisions a field of rye right next to a dangerous cliff. Children run around and play in the abandoned field. But if they come too close to the edge of the cliff, however, Holden is there to catch them.
There is plenty of symbolism throughout the novel, including Holden’s red hunting hat and the museum. Throughout the novel, Holden wears a red hunting hat. The hat represents his true originality and identity. He only wears the hat when he is alone though. When he is in public, he takes it off, showing his true vulnerability. But at the end of the novel, Phoebe put the hat on his head, showing that she loves him for who he truly is. The museum is another important symbol in the novel. Holden likes that fact that the art in the museum never changes. Change in the real world makes him depressed. Growing up is a major change that Holden wishes would never occur. He wants people to stay young, innocent, and pure and not have to grow up and become a “Phony”.
The novel has also been classified as a mind control mechanism. Many murders have been associated with the novel. Mark David Chapman claimed that The Catcher in the Rye influenced him to kill John Lennon. When he was arrested, he was found with a copy of the book. Ironically, John Lennon was reading the book when he was killed. John Hinckley Jr.’s assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan was also claimed to be influenced by the novel.