Could somebody explain this quote from Catcher in the Rye?

Question

"We clamor about on life's contradictions trying to get somewhere and not fall, dragging our chosen bundle."

I have to have a one page response to this quote, and honestly, I can't even think of one sentence.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

"clamor" is noise, but he uses it in a way that makes it seem like we are climbing awkwardly on some rough, irregular pile of rubble, and the rubble is life's contradictions, so not only do we struggle with the climb but we are noisy about it, shouting and crying and complaining. As with any pile of rubble, there's the risk of a turned ankle or a fall and a broken leg or neck. Worse, we don't have free use of our hands, we have a bundle too heavy to carry, we have to drag it, and so of course it's constantly getting stuck. We can't just toss the bundle, we've chosen it. These would be our own beliefs and prejudices, hopes and fears, and such. Even if life were a smooth highway, such a burden would make travel difficult, but on the pile of life's contradictions, travel is virtually impossible. There's also the question of where we're trying to get to. The top of the pile? The other side? With our mind focused on our immediate difficulties, we probably can't see either. The futility of the guy in Kafka's story "Before the Wall" comes to mind.

All this is just late-night response to a book I read 45 years ago. I had no idea at the time it was that good. I just thought it had way too many "goddamn"s.

Answer 2

-examples of life's contradictions- We wish for more money, thinking it will make us happy, then talk about how money doesn't buy happiness.
We are grateful to advances in technology, but still carry on about how much more simple life was without it.
We have made vast discoveries in medicine, but now people are living too long and draining resources for the future.

-Trying to get somewhere-We are all trying to achieve a goal for our life, something that we feel will validate our life to ourselves.

-and not fall- there are always those kinks in the plan, life is all about ups and downs. However hard we try to fight the downs.

-dragging our chosen bundle- the things that we chose to take on as our burdens (think: I could be a happier person if not for_____.
or: My life would be easier if I could_____) kind of thing.

This is the way I see this quote. I don't know if this will help you.

Answer 3

Life's contradictions: - life does have many contradictions like wanting to move forward with something, but fearing the outcome of that move.

Trying to get somewhere and not fall: This is fear of failure. This fear can paralyze you.

Dragging our chosen bundle: Our chosen bundle to me, refers to our own baggage - our life problems and positives.

So the whole thing would mean : Though we have problems, we try perhaps hesitantly, to progress successfully through life's pitfalls.

Best wishes.