Would you consider the book "The Catcher in the Rye" a coming of age story?

Question

It is often classified as one, but I think of it more a social critique. What do you think?

Answer 1

yes ..

Answer 2

Catcher in the Rye would most certainly be considered a coming-of-age story, or a Bildungsroman (to use the "academic" term). Holden Caufield is a classic example of a character burdened with the painful facts of growing up. The twist to this story is that he does not readily accept what is the "social norm" and his psyche suffers for it. At the start of the novel, he hints that he has recently been released from a mental hospital, and as the story progresses the reason unfolds before the reader.

He desperately wants to be an adult and have adult relationships, yet he still holds fast to teenage dissatisfaction with the world, viewing adults as "phony" and hypocritical. He longs for his now-lost childhood, and is trapped in the limbo between growing up and regressing. Therefore, he retreats farther into himself, alienating him from the "adult world" he is trying so hard to fit into.

I can certainly see where you're coming from with the social critique thought, however, I don't really think that Holden's situation can be applied to "general society." Yes, he is rebelling against the adults in his world, but you also have to remember that his world is the upper middle class (prep school) world. Perhaps it could be associated with the post WWII society of the 1950s, a time when sons were expected to behave in a particular way, but I feel that the society that applies to is too narrow to fit in the "social critique" category overall. I believe the story focuses more on Holden's battle with maturing rather than his rebellion against the society in which he lives.

Answer 3

Many toddlers observed with Holden Caulfield. Salinger is a spectacular author. study Franny and Zooey, 9 thoughts( Lisa Loeb named her team after it), and carry severe the Roof beams,Carpenters, and Seymour an creation. The Glass family individuals is attractive. when I study "Catcher" ,i replaced into searching for expertise (Prov.4:7), and this replaced right into a e book that peaked my pastime and made me study his different books. also, the books manage suicide and psychological situation that are generic... the be conscious sophomore, comes from 2 Greek words, sophos -smart and moros- fool. The smart fool who's making an attempt to respond to the questions: WHO am I? Why am I right here? the position did I come from? and the position am I going? For me, "Catcher" all started me asking those questions, now at 60 i understand.

Answer 4

It is to a certain extent a social critique, but i now realise that it is more of a coming of age book in that the protagonist experiences situations that are just as much of a reality to young people growing up these days, as they were then.
The experiences were extreme then, but are valid still today - especially considering our volatile society.

Answer 5

"The Catcher in the Rye" is both, but I believe that it is its coming of age theme that has elevated to the level of a classic. That is what makes the book still appeal to readers today.

Answer 6

I think it was written by, in my opinion, a very strange writer (Salinger) and it isn't at all what it's cracked up to be. Holden Caulfield is a mental case and so confused he doesn't know his rear end from third base. The book is insightful if you're fifteen and confused, but a total nore if you're twenty one and know what the score is. A waste of time in my opinion. Not even well written.

Answer 7

I think its a overrated novel.....despite it is always selected under 100 best novels ever.....teenagers aren't all the same; there are different types, just as there are different types of older people, and just because this book speaks to a certain segment of teenagers doesn't mean it speaks to all teenagers. Mr. Salinger, however, had proved his ability as a serious writer.

Answer 8

It's sort of a social critique. I recall being totally bored and unimpressed, and only read it because it was required. Salinger was crazy. I agree with kitty rogers.

Answer 9

It's definately both. It really brings out the hypocricy of society and it's about this kid growing up. One of my favorite books, it's so hilarious. Especially love the part when he wonders where the ducks go in the winter.

Answer 10

Why couldn't it be both?

Answer 11

Can't it be both?