2008, Form B. In
some works of literature, childhood and adolescence are portrayed as times
graced by innocence and a sense of wonder; in other works, they are depicted as
times of tribulation and terror. Focusing on a single novel or play, explain
how its representation of childhood or adolescence shapes the meaning of the
work as a whole.
J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye centers around adolescent Holden Caulfield struggling with growing up. Holden copes with understanding feelings of alienation and his sexuality. Overall, this contributes to the novel's themes of the pain of growing up and artificiality of the adult world.
At school, Holden feels as if he has no real friends. He often uses the term, "phony" to describe his peers as he thinks they are disingenuous. The only real friend he can communicate with is his little sister, Phoebe. Sincerity is something he thinks is lacking among almost everyone but remains within younger people. An example of his alienation is during a school-wide football game, when he chooses not to attend it to read a book instead. The alienation he feels is something many kids feel as they get older, a lack of understanding. As Holden is getting older he also feels pressure to lose his virginity. However, he has never felt comfortable to do so even if conditions were right. At one point during the novel, he sees a couple performing sexual acts and thinks of them as "perverts" and doesn't understand why they would do such things. At another point, he hires a prostitute but only wants to talk to her in the end. Holden struggles to understand sexuality even though those around him have already done so, which additionally adds to his alienation.
Holden's experiences through the novel highlight the trials of getting older. Salinger communicates that the "phoniness" he perceives among his peers and adults is a lack of sincerity among adults. The insincerity found within the general masses is almost required to fit into society, thus making it difficult for Holden to fit in. Realization of this can be painful for those who want to remain a kid on the inside as they must adapt to a new and phony world. As Holden experiences alienation because of his struggle to adapt, the process of growing up for him is a painful one.
You have a good thesis and evidence, but I think the organization is what needs help. To make it more clear I think it would be helpful to separate alienation and sexuality into two paragraphs to make it clearer how these two representations of childhood separately connect to the meaning of the story. I think you should still be able to incorporate "struggles to understand sexuality...which additionally adds to his alienation," within the two paragraphs. Other than that I thought their was just enough summary, you had good examples, and you wrapped it up nicely while responding to the prompt.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really good book for this topic..! One suggestion is that I don't think you need to point out examples with "an example of his alienation is..", you can just jump right into it! But I liked your take on the prompt, it was specific and you really focused on your two points. Do you think there is some bigger meaning of why Salinger chose to portray adolescence like this? I'm not sure..but I'll definitely be thinking about it..
ReplyDeleteAlso, you've made me want to read Catcher again! haha :)
I found it interesting how you said that one of Salinger's messages is that insincerity is "almost required to fit into society." Holden definitely sees society as a bunch of "phonies," but I'm not sure that Salinger shares Holden's beliefs. Rather, I'd say Holden can't find anyone to relate to, not because everyone else is a phony, but because he simply won't open up to anyone. There are several instances where others try to reach out to him with genuine friendliness, but he pushes them away. I think he feels more terror with the idea of being vulnerable rather than having to adapt to a phony world.
ReplyDeleteYour peers made excellent comments this month, so I won't duplicate their remarks, just urge you to consider them carefully. I'd also ask you to look again at your final paragraph and ask if you've really supported your claim about Salinger's theme or if you're really just claiming it several times.
ReplyDelete