Socratic Seminar on Catcher in the Rye - Essay Example

?Sunshine Robles Ms. Walker English 11, p.3 28 November Socratic Seminar on Catcher in the Rye Essential Question: Psychoanalyze Holden. What isat the root of his problems? Who is telling his story? The Catcher in the Rye is an inspiring novel that was composed in 1951 by a renowned writer and narrator, J. D. Salinger. Initially, the novel was an informative novel that was directed towards addressing adult problems. However, based on the social changes in modern society, the novel turned out to be popular among adolescent and young people in the society. To confirm its popularity in modern inclusive and challenging society, the work has been translated into almost all major languages in the world. Every year, more than 250,000 copies are sold. So far, more than 65,000,000 copies have been distributed and sold in almost all parts of the world. Despite becoming one of the most popular characters in modern society, Holden Caufield has become an icon for young people especially in developed countries such as United Kingdom and United States of America. The Root Cause of Holden’s Problems Holden’s problem started one Saturday afternoon when he was late to attend a football match with a rival school, Saxon Hall. In addition to being late for the game, Holden lost most of the fencing team’s equipment in New York City on a subway, forcing the game to be cancelled for lack of the required equipment. He was criticised by his fellow teammates for being ineffective and an unreliable manager of the fencing team. As a result of being late for the game and emerging as an incompetent leader, Holden lost his valuable leadership position. The incompetence of Holden is also demonstrated when he stated that “somebody had thrown his cookies” which meant that someone has pocked (Salinger 39). The embattled leader was also expelled from school for engaging in unacceptable behavior both within the school compound and outside the school compound. Holden decided to visit the home of his history teacher, Mr. Spencer to inquire about his performance and to convince him to award him better marks for his history paper. However, to Holden’s surprise, the old man read his history paper aloud. This act humiliated Holden to an extent that he was forced to leave and head towards New York City. In attempt to advise him on the importance of having a descent and honorable life, Spencer told Holden “life is a game” (Salinger 41) where everyone should learn to understand and effectively apply the rules of the game without searching for any favor or support for unacceptable activities and behaviors. Although he was disappointed by Spencer’s reaction, Holden took his word seriously and went on with his way. The character’s problems emerged out of his perception towards life and his inability to withstand testing and challenging situations in life. In his life, Holden assumed that life is a simple path where everyone can be manipulated for personal interests and gain. For instance, his plan to visit his history teacher was aimed at trying to convince him to award him better grades without considering his mistakes. He also intended to convince him to intervene in ensuring that his suspension was revoked. However, to his surprise, Mr. Spencer humiliated him. Later in the story, the readers are informed that out of frustration in life, Holden attempted several times to commit suicide due to life’s challenges. For instance the character was spotted saying that “any goddam stupid useless conversations with anybody” (Salinger 91). Holden the narrator The narrator is Holden. He is telling his story to individuals who lack the ability of withstanding life’s complications and people who do not abide by the rule of law. The narrator explores some of the challenges that he has been undergoing in his own youthful life. In the novel, it is clear that the narrator has a very challenging life both at school and in his home. There was continuous conflict between the narrator and his family. The intensive disagreement between Holden and his parents forced him to seek accommodation in one of the hotels in New York City. However, despite the prostitute’s demands, Holden was able to stand strong with his principles by avoiding having sex with her. Considering the explicit content of the novel, it is clear that Holden intended on educating the young and innocent undergoing various challenges and hurdles in their life. Ducks in Central Park While visiting the Central Park, Holden had a huge interest in seeing the ducks. He asked the taxi drivers over and over about the ducks and where they go in the park during the winter. According to Holden, ducks seems to be useless animals that do not deserve to be living in such a high-class conditions such as Central Park. Holden further asserts that you know those ducks in that lagoon by the lake…do you happen to know where they go, by chance, when it gets all frozen over?”(Salinger 60). In attempting to understand the role and the development of ducks, Holden compared his life with the one of the small birds. According to his assumptions, his life was useless and he did not understand the meaning of life. Holden himself was saved several times from attempting to commit suicide due to various social and economic challenges in his life. The character has negative perception on schools. In one instance the character was quoted saying that he thinks education is “ all “phonies” (Salinger 72). Red Hunting Hat In the story, the red hunting hat is used to symbolise some of the challenges and struggles in one’s life. Life is composed of numerous challenges and shortfalls. In some cases, the challenges can frustrate one’s effort of becoming a prominent individual in the society (Steinle 27). However, despite the challenges, it is the responsibility of everyone to understand some of the most effective means of coming out of any challenges. Difficulties with growing up In reference to the story’s plot, it is clear that Holden had serious problems while he was growing up. In his development process, the character lacked the required tools of dealing with problems in his life. He also lacked the most effective skill of interacting with other people and begin responsible. In most instances, growing up is a painful process that requires persistence and humbleness. Growing up is a painful process because human life is full of frustrations and setbacks. Despite trying their level best to achieve the goals in life, human beings find themselves frustrated by various obstacles and difficult people in society. It cannot be avoided, but that is what makes us stronger. The lack of social and communal support is also another key that can have a negative result. Failing to meet social expectations is also described as another key characteristic that makes growing up a challenging and painful process. For instance, “ at the end of the book, he even decides to leave his family and hitch hike to the west coast, start working as a gas-boy at a gas station, and pretend that he’s a def-mute” (Salinger 112). Holden’s non-conformist traits Based on Holden’s life, conformity to rules of society is a very critical and useful aspect in one’s growth and development. To live a comfortable and happy life, it is important for one to abide by the existing rule of law. For instance, Holden’ problems in life are largely brought by his act of failing to conform to the set social rules and regulations (Graham 15). Individuals who conform to the rules of society are respected and honored in the any social setting. Conforming to the rules and social norms is also a test of one’s tolerance to frustrating rules and regulations in society. Conforming to social norms is sometimes vital in reducing unnecessary conflict. Conforming to social norms is also one of the most useful characteristics that play a vital role in bringing peace and harmony in a society. Catcher in the Rye Holden long-term goal is to emerge as one of the most reliable catcher in the rye. The concept catcher in the rye is used to symbolise the children’s savior from the evil of adulthood. The challenges faced by Holden in the hands of adults are the main motivator that has compelled the character to desire to become savior of children. As he explains, some of his childhood problems and challenges were brought on by adults in his life. In most instances, it is the responsibility of the adult members of society to formulate and implement rules and regulations and according to their will and not the will of the young. Holden clearly didn’t agree with this process which is why refused to confirm most of the time. He felt adulthood was composed of severe challenges that require intensive skills and support from the society members. As a result, Holden is committed towards using his resources and time in helping children in dealing with their life challenges. Works Cited Graham, Sarah. J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. London: Routledge, 2007. Print. Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. London: Penguin, 2010. Print. Steinle, Pamela. Hunt In Cold Fear: The Catcher in the Rye Censorship Controversies and Postwar American Character. Ohio, OH: Ohio State University Press. Print. Read More