Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Post 10
For my final post, I have begun reading The Catcher in the Rye, a novel by J.D. Salinger. Written in a first person point-of-view, this book characterizes the life of Holden Caulfield, a seventeen year old boy who (from the first couple chapters) has a somewhat pessimistic view on life. The first few chapters basically establish the narrator's personality and fail to address anything about Holden's past life. Holden begins the story by mentioning that he had flunked out of school...again. Mr. Spencer, Holden's previous history teacher, is also introduced in the novel as a boring old man who deliberately tries to explain to Holden why he was being flunked out. As Mr. Spencer continues talking, Holden gets bored and leaves. In general, Holden has a very pessimistic view on life, which could possibly interfere with his life in one way or another. Moving on, the next chapters establish the way Holden interacts with his peers. His roommate, Ackley, as well as Stradlater, act as Holden's immediate contrasts. Specifically, he disliked them since they are phonies, as well as most of the other kids that went to his school. In general, the reader's first impression of Holden is one of confusion. The author manages to write in Holden's adolescent view, which proves to be a very pessimistic one. These chapters leave me thinking if something catastrophic could have happened in Holden's life.
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5 comments:
The Catcher and The Rye is a book I've been meaning to read. I read a few chapters from the book on an outside reading today. It's an interesting novel that I think I'd enjoy.
Joe
Excellent choice of novel Victor. I would seriously advise seeing this one through to the end as it ended up being one of my favorite reads of 2007.
Victor,
The Catcher and The Rye is such a famous book, and i've always wanted to read it! I think you may be right with the thought that something happened in his childhood, but also, he is a teenage boy so it could tbe expected for him not to like school. Hope you like the book!
Victor,
I actually seriously considered reading The Catcher in the Rye for the second quarter book report except I chose All Quiet on the Western Front instead because it had the war theme to it. But now that I kind of know what its about I think ill try reading it sometime. Does it keep you intrigued though in the book? Because I need a book that I wont get bored of the first day I read it.
I've heard The Catcher in the Rye is a really good book and your explanation only got me more interested. However I think were reading it this year as a class...or is that next year. watever it will still be a fun book to read.
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