Catcher In The Rye Free Essay Example

witch-hunt for politicians with communist tendencies in the USA. The content and tones in Catcher in the Rye were regarded as controversial, as it showcased Holden's un-American views towards society. For instance, Holden detested the materialism prevalent in his society and commented, "Work hard to buy a great big Cadillac they don't even need."

The message in this statement contains communist implications, which may have provoked a reaction from capitalist individuals in regards to the promotion of communism in the book or simply addressing teenage issues. Holden regards the Nuns in high esteem because they are not affected by the competition-driven society, which coerces individuals to conform- something Holden is not willing to adopt in the American lifestyle. Holden finds common ground with the Nuns as he rejects the materialistic aspirations of many Americans and would rather live simply on a ranch, building himself a small cabin.

Holden's expressed desire to move to a cabin and live there for life, may be considered a form of Communism. However, it is believed that this comment resulted from his ongoing depression. Even though this thought may stem from his mental health at the time, it could suggest that Holden is a communist due to his disregard for money and material possessions. His "red hunting hat" is one of his limited possessions known to us, and the color red representing Communism, with him putting it on when he senses danger creates a strong image that Communists shield people from Capitalists. These types of images sparked debates among individuals, with some advocating for its ban due to the Communist references it contained while others regarded it as a masterpiece.

Holden's

controversial book wasn't just due to his communist sympathies, but also how it was presented. The use of bad language split opinions in America, with some reviewers calling it a "sensational achievement" while others objected to the "shocking nature of some of the scenes." The extreme language led to condemnation by educational authorities and banned in some states. While it was believed that Holden was a bad example for young people, some argue that it was also banned due to fear of his communist beliefs influencing readers against American values and pursuits.

The Catcher in the Rye gained notoriety due to its divisive elements, as created by Salinger's writing. One particular scene involves Holden standing alone by a revolutionary war cannon, while everyone else attends a football game at Pency Prep. Some readers saw this as a symbol of encouragement for the Cold War to evolve into a full-scale conflict. For capitalists, this would have been controversial. Moreover, Holden's usage of "phony", which he uses to express his disdain for shallow people and materialism, suggests communist views. This could have made him a potential icon for communist sympathizers living in America. For instance, when Holden describes a conversation between Sally and George as phony, it reveals his skepticism of actors like the Lunts who have to pretend to be someone else to earn a living.

It is clear that he expressed a dislike for his Brother D. B's decision to stop writing books and focus on film, referring to him as a "prostitute". The reputation of Catcher in the Rye during the 1950s was well-earned due to the polarizing nature of Salinger's style and content. Opinions on

the book were sharply divided.

The release of Holden by Salinger was controversial in the context of the world at that time. It presented a rebel figure who was not the typical American Hero for people to admire. The American capitalist population, after experiencing the fallout of world war two, could have viewed Holden as a threat because he challenged their way of thinking, moving towards a communist ideology. Today, it is unlikely that the novel would be controversial because communism is no longer viewed as a threat and the cold war has ended.

Although Salinger's once controversial style and language are now common in many books and on TV, recent events such as September 11th and the emergence of terrorism have rekindled Americans' awareness of individuals who may not share their perspectives. For readers seeking to challenge the capitalist lifestyle, Holden may serve as a source of inspiration. However, those who wish to encounter even more vehement anti-American content may find more potent material on the internet.

My personal belief is that during the 1950s, Catcher in the Rye was appropriately controversial but eventually its controversy decreased as the fear of communism dissipated. However, in light of current events, Holden's anti-American beliefs have made the book more controversial again. Despite this, overall, the book has become less controversial since its original publication.