Hero Essays
J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye illustrates the story of an adolescent going through a period of perception-changing times in his life. The story is told from the point of view of the main character and protagonist, Holden Caulfield, a junior in high school. Throughout the novel, Holden is going through a phase in which he realizes the “phony” nature of the people in the world. Overall, the story encompasses themes such as loss and confusion ultimately resolved with advice for finding oneself. Clearly, many young adults undergoing a paradigm shift or a maturing from adolescence can relate the book’s protagonist on a personal or even spiritual level. Because of his relatable journey, I view Holden Caulfield as a hero, not in the archetypal sense, but as a champion for those struggling to find a sense of direction in their lives. Holden’s entire character has not been fully established yet as he is still immature and has no definite plans for his future. He had been kicked out of three schools for not applying himself, and he calls people who act “fake” in real life “phonies.” However, what makes Holden Caulfield such an important character is that he is going through what many have experienced or are experiencing: the transition from childhood to manhood.
On the contrary, Holden seems to resist this transition as he was never serious about his schools. In fact, he came to the point where he thought of ending his life in chapter 14. He writes, “What I really felt like doing was committing suicide. I felt like jumping out the window.” Of course, many teenagers have had the same feeling, although I am an exception to this. In chapter 17, he explains to Sally everything he resented about school. “It’s full of phonies, and all you do is study so that you can learn enough to be smart enough to buy a goddam Cadillac some day,” he continues. Eventually, he came up with the idea of running away with Sally up north. With this, Holden shows he has never given thought to his actual future and what he plans to be. At this part of the plot, I did not really identify myself with the character of Holden Caulfield anymore.
I on the other hand do plan on attending college for medicine. Holden in chapter 17 embodied the rebellious nature of some teenagers who, much like the protagonist, choose to run away from his/her problems.The symbolism J. D. Salinger inserts into the story can provide more to the theme. There is a recurring thought that Holden has concerning the ducks inhabiting the lagoon in Central Park in New York City and where they go when the lake freezes up. Holden brings up this train of thought in various locations. The first was in his meeting with Mr. Spencer and again on two different cab rides. The symbolism behind this is that the ducks represent himself and his refusal to adapt to a changing environment. It puzzled him how the ducks would have to move and where. This is where I can relate to Holden. Growing up and moving on is difficult, but it is necessary for life. Holden Caulfield is a hero through what he has endured and who he can emulate. I myself do not relate to him as I have already been through what he has gone through, at a lesser degree, of course, but he can be seen, by some, as an example for a refusal to adapt. He is not a hero that is perfect or super strong, but he is a hero that inspires and relates himself to the common adolescent.
Objective of this article is to throw light on the various factors that impact student’s life. It examines the stress levels and effect of it on students. The aim of the study is to examine these factors and find the counter-effect activities that could lead to a better and positive life. A quantitative method is […]
Tick… Tock… Tick… That was all he heard in the hospital’s main room. He had been visiting the same hospital for the fifty-fourth day in a row, climbing the stairs to the 3rd floor. He had memorized the place as if it was his own home, there are 60 steps to reach the 3rd floor, […]
Abstract Depression has become very popular in today’s society. One way that might be able to help it is by creating a health message design that will promote a change in the persons’ behavior. In this case, we are promoting better mental health for these individuals by caring for an animal. That being said people […]
The film, “Rabbit Proof Fence,” directed by Phillip Noyce, explores the themes surrounding the actions of Chief Protector A. O. Neville. The film is set in the 1930s where racism towards Aborigines was rampant, both institutionally, and on a personal basis. A. O Neville’s actions caused Molly, Gracie, Daisy and their parents grief and anguish, […]
When a person is accused of a crime they are either found innocent or guilty. This is the basic idea of justice and it is what many feel needs to happen if someone has done something controversial. In the play The Oresteia by Aeschylus, the story of Clytemnestra guilt or innocents is questioned. She does […]
The strategic leadership of TTT Durra and Eunice Tat can be compared based on the five core strategic leadership actions. Both leaders demonstrated the first action of determining strategic direction by setting clear goals for NEFF and communicating them consistently throughout the organization. Durra’s direction was focused on generating profits and raising funds, while Tat […]
The negative influence factor which radiates from male parent. Don. in Lenore Keeshig-Tobias’ essay. “He Was a Boxer When I Was Small. ” is a great illustration of how a parent’s actions can brainwash and change their children’s hereafter determinations in life. Author Keeshig-Tobias grew up in a suffering family raised by her feared. alcoholic […]
The definition of rude is: not polite; unkind, discourteous behavior. When I think of rudeness, I classify these actions into three categories: (a) bodily functions (b) verbal rudeness (c) physical actions. Bodily functions are, to me, the worst of the group. Having a weak stomach when it comes to vomit, gas odors, and feces, I […]
Bonhoeffer’s unique ethical beliefs center on the idea that Christian ethics are a manifestation of God’s reality as revealed through Jesus Christ. According to him, humans are incapable of being the ultimate judge of good and evil. As he states, “man is not, and cannot, be the final arbitrator of good and evil” (Bonhoeffer). He […]
The path-goal theory of leadership emphasizes the role of leaders in assisting and motivating their followers to achieve predetermined objectives by outlining a clear and manageable path. Effective leadership requires addressing specific issues related to goal attainment, including clarifying the route that subordinates will take to reach desired outcomes. Ultimately, leaders provide guidance and direction […]
Zeus is the almighty. He is the “God of the sky,” hurler of “thunder and lightning” for justice and morality in the universe. Aeschylus’ play, Prometheus Bound is a direct attack against Zeus’ actions, his tyranny, and his punishment for Prometheus, a fellow God. Aeschylus constructs this argument in his play through the use of […]
The mechanisms actions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) To summarise, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are drugs which have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties due to their mechanism and enzymes involved COX-1 and COX-2. However as well as being beneficial NSAIDs have many unwanted side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. In frequent high doses […]
