The cultural impact of the catcher in the rye - manifesto of hate? or literary masterpiece?
"The Catcher In The Rye" is certainly one of the most discussed and prevalent novels ever to have been published. Even 50 or so years on, it still remains a truly magnificent example of American literature, an essential part of the English curriculum, and foremost a favorite amongst teens. But was the impact catcher made on the youth of yesteryear a negative one? And is it still necessary to include this "manifesto of hate" into standard reading for the young minds of today?
J.D Salinger's masterpiece may hold a place amongst the great literary novels of the 20th century, but the book encompasses many prominent flaws noticeable to any sharp eyed enthusiast. For instance, the writing itself is not by any means brilliant, quite the opposite, Salinger writes from the perspective of a sixteen year old boy, and his decrepit prose depicts this perfectly. It's a simple style, yet lacking the clarity and precision of a great writer, although it remains a possibility that this was intended to correlate with the protagonist himself, who warrants these attributes throughout the book.
The book carries little in terms of plot, which in turn makes a reader come to the conscious realization that Holden's complex persona is responsible for the profound greatness of the novel.
Holden is a confused sixteen year old, but not in any traditional sense. A privileged youth from downtown Manhattan, he is sickened and confused by the behaviour of those around him, and has flunked out of several exclusive preparatory schools. He has developed an impenetrable hate for the human race, due to those who surround him displaying traits known as “phoniness”.
What makes Holden a truly fantastic protagonist, is that he is blessed with huge potential, but lacks the resolve and respect for authority to ever succeed, as the success he sees all around him Is in his eyes a corrupt combination of hypocrisy and false persona.
He is also hypocritical himself, displaying many of the traits which he condemns others for. This might suggest that he is having trouble breaking out of the paradigm that he was raised to incorporate. Towards the end of the novel a more sentimental element of Holden's personality emerge, displaying positive emotion towards his younger sister phoebe, and in turn struggling to regain his innocence.
If you have never read the book, this may seem like an intriguing basis for a lead character. You are, for the most part right. The culmination of these traits does indeed make Holden an interesting individual, and his confused outlook on life, coupled with his desire to regain child-like innocence, are attributes that many of us secretly share, particularly the youth of today.
To some extent, a good novel always has a positive effect on it's readers. Catcher, doubtlessly falls into this category, but it's overall sociological effect has been far from pretty, and at times downright ugly.
Sceptics may point to the example of Mark Chapman, John Lennon's murderer. Chapman was reportedly obsessed with Catcher in the Rye, and was even carrying a copy of the book prior to killing the beatle. There is no doubt that the book contains examples of severe teenage insolence and an inability to keep a grip on reality, but only severely twisted and damaged minds could possibly interpret this message as written in blood. Despite all Holden's aggressive propaganda, his efforts to regain innocence, coupled with his immature outlook, convey an underlying sadness and lack of maturity that shouldn't be taken too seriously. An outlook that contains no true malevolence on his part.
As you can see, reading The Catcher in the rye is a trip into a world of subjective confusion which many can relate to , a fact that contributes to the longevity of a novel far more than any example of ingeniously written prose.
Whatever your age, a rite of passage still may await you if you have never picked up this book.
