A look at the discourse of youth in the novels "Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger and Brett Easton Ellis' "Less Than Zero."
Comparison Essay # 23454 |
1,000 words (
approx. 4 pages ) |
2 sources |
MLA | 2002
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$ 21.95
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Abstract
Up through the 1970s, teenage resistance to social authority was such a pervasive motif in American fiction that the adolescent struggle for autonomy embodied for many critics the national myth of self-reliance. The paper shows that in contemporary novels, however, youth's disaffected disposition is credited not to the oppressiveness of adult authority but to a lack of it. The voice in both "Catcher in the Rye" and "Less than Zero" is a detached, ironic voice that demonstrates a need for security and for home. The paper shows that by implicitly endorsing an idealized, nostalgic vision of family, these narratives split with the genre's anti-authoritarian tradition and re-script the utilization of adolescent disaffection. Whereas the teenager once intuitively asserted youth's moral supremacy over their elders, today's aimless, amoral kids cry out for adult intervention as they beg entry into the shelters of home. This paper examines the similarities and differences in the discourse of the young in both "Less Than Zero" and "The Catcher in the Rye."
From the Paper
"In the penultimate chapter of Catcher, Holden declines to run away to California in order to spare his younger sister Phoebe from the cynicism and despair he suffers. He does so because he understands that if he lets Phoebe follow him westward he will fail in his dream of protecting her innocence; instead of preventing her terrible fall into adulthood, he will be just as guilty of pushing her over the edge of childhood as the anonymous "pervert" who scrawls profanity on her elementary school walls. Therefore, to save her, Holden must sacrifice his passionate disdain for adult phonies and submit to the indignity of their "asking me if I'm going to apply myself" (213). Through this concluding gesture, Salinger insists that adolescent rebellion is guided by moral intent and is not symptomatic of the narcissism and selfishness so closely associated with this stage of life. The intuitive morality that this plot ascribes to its teen protagonists implies that "if the young demonstrate their inability to accept the code of civilized society, the fault cannot lie in them but in those who have failed to provide acceptable values. By extension, youth's rituals of disaffection are not expressions of antisocial behavior but confirmations that they are engaged in an arduous quest, searching, seeking, grasping, testing in an effort to find the proper moral course in life (265, 269)."
Tags:Phoebe, Clay, Blair, Holden, Julian
A look at why J.D. Salinger's novel "The Catcher in the Rye " is relevant today.
Book Review # 146780 |
1,110 words (
approx. 4.4 pages ) |
8 sources |
MLA | 2011
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$ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper examines and analyzes J.D. Salinger's classic novel "The Catcher in the Rye " as an example of relevant and enduring literature years after its original publication. According to the paper, the novel is relevant because Holden is a real character that experiences real conflict in relation to growing up. Various literary critics are cited that back up this opinion and further state their own impressions of this classic work. Various themes in the novel are considered from the perspective of literary scholars, such as the innocence of youth. The paper concludes by stating that "The Catcher in the Rye" remains an important part of the American literary canon because it reflects upon the struggles that a young boy must face as he enters adulthood.
From the Paper
"J. D. Salinger's novel, The Catcher in the Rye remains a relevant novel because of its endearing message about Holden and his desire to cling to the innocence that can only be afforded to the young. As Holden grows up, he resists growing up, which forces him to face many challenges that are difficult. The struggle Holden experiences is important because it captures the moment that all individuals experience as they realize their innocence is lost to the world. The Catcher in the Rye retains its relevance in the world because of Salinger's ability to capture the innocence of youth along with the pain of growing up."
Tags:coming of age, sexuality, innocence, literary criticism, canon
Explores the significance of the "game" passage in J.D. Salinger's "Catcher in the Rye".
Analytical Essay # 37541 |
650 words (
approx. 2.6 pages ) |
2 sources |
2002
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$ 13.95
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Abstract
This paper comments on the significance of a specific passage in J.D. Salinger's novel, "The Catcher in the Rye". The passage begins, "Game, my ass. Some game. If you get on the side where all the hot-shots are, then it's a game...". The paper points out the relation of this sentiment to Holden's disillusionment with society and his enchantment with naivete and authenticity.
A review of the novel, "The Catcher in the Rye", by J.D. Salinger with a focus on the character of Holden.
Analytical Essay # 46153 |
1,936 words (
approx. 7.7 pages ) |
8 sources |
MLA | 2002
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$ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, in J.D. Salinger's classic novel, "The Catcher in the Rye", the narrator is a teenage boy named Holden Caulfield, who comes from a rich family and moves from one boarding school to another as he is either expelled for failing classes or gets tired of the school. It looks at how, at first glance, it seems as though Holden is a normal teenage boy. However, as the reader gets deeper into the story, he displays certain self-destructive and pathological qualities that separate him from the norm. It presents a critical essay of the novel, while attempting to determine what separates Holden from the typical teenager.
From the Paper
"During Holden's trip, he comes across many people of many ages, but his skepticism about the sincerity of people and his fear of phonies makes it hard for him to establish genuine contacts with anyone. According to miller (1965, p. 9): "The journey becomes a combination of nightmare and burlesque where horror and comedy mix in inexplicable fashion." Salinger uses a mixture of Holden's cynicism and the use of features typical of teenage vernacular spoken in New York in the 1950s, and strong personal idiosyncrasies (Costello 1990, p. 45) to make the reader question whether there is something wrong with Holden or if he is just behaving like a normal teen."
Tags:boarding, school, journey, stradlater, phoebe
An analysis of the novel "Catcher in the Rye" by JD Salinger.
Analytical Essay # 35279 |
900 words (
approx. 3.6 pages ) |
4 sources |
2002
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$ 19.95
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This paper explains the symbolism of some of the elements presented in the novel "The Catcher in the Rye."
A comparative analysis of the common theme of teenage problems in William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" and J. D Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye".
Comparison Essay # 42472 |
1,400 words (
approx. 5.6 pages ) |
3 sources |
2002
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$ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper will discuss the similarities of "Romeo and Juliet" by Shakespeare and "The Catcher in the Rye" by J. D. Salinger and connect them into a common theme that they share with each other. By analyzing some of their similarities, we can see how they both carry the notion of teenage tragedy and seek to show the depth of young people within a literary format. By revealing the concepts of universal teenage struggles, these two works of literature are very similar I that they show the hardships of being to young to really have a say I their destinies. The sense of powerlessness over the way they want to live their lives connects them intuitively by their sense of loss within the works.
An examination of the role of symbolism in J.D. Salinger's "Catcher in the Rye".
Analytical Essay # 28901 |
1,053 words (
approx. 4.2 pages ) |
1 source |
MLA | 2002
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$ 22.95
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This paper discusses how "Catcher in the Rye" is a moving book filled with symbolism to convey Holden's manic depression fueled by the death of his brother Allie. It explores how Salinger uses characters to symbolize Holden's confused feelings about purity, love and sexuality. And, he takes advantage of many symbols to demonstrate how just what a lost soul Holden has become with no chance to turn back the hands of time and return to his happy childhood when his brother was still alive.
From the Paper
"Allie, Holden's young brother who died from leukemia, represents the purity that Holden looks for in a world of phonies. Holden says that he admires Allie more than he admires Jesus, and even goes as far as praying to Allie, rather than to Jesus. Allie also takes on the religious qualities of a savior near the end of the book when Holden has become ill and is having difficulty walking down Fifth Avenue. Holden said "Every time I'd get to the end of a block I'd make believe I was talking to my brother Allie. I'd say to him, Allie, don't let me disappear." "
Tags:holden, allie, symbol, expression
J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye"
A general review of "The Catcher in the Rye."
Book Review # 2915 |
663 words (
approx. 2.7 pages ) |
1 source |
2001
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$ 14.95
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Abstract
This essay outlines the classic Novel "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger. It gives a detailed review of the text and many other elements of the writing. The paper also includes the author's opinion of the novel and reasons for his opinion.
From the Paper
" The Catcher in the Rye, a classic novel written by the infamous J.D. Salinger is a story within the life of Holden Caulfield, a pessimistic 16 year old attending private school. The novel is a window in to a rebellious teenaged mind using Holden Caulfield as an extreme example. Holden is a teenager growing up in 1950s New York who has been expelled from school for poor achievement. Holden's frustration towards society and unstable state of mind is brought upon by constant failure in his academic and social life. In an attempt to deal with his frustration he leaves school a few days prior to the end of term, and goes to New York to 'take a vacation' before returning to his parents whom will be greatly disappointed."
Tags:holden, salinger, student, teenaged
A review of J.D. Salinger's book, "Catcher in the Rye", focusing on teenagers and their sense of isolation.
Analytical Essay # 16439 |
687 words (
approx. 2.7 pages ) |
2 sources |
MLA | 2002
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$ 14.95
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This paper discusses the isolation that is experienced by the protagonist, Holden, in "Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger. This theme is expanded and is presented from a general point of view, illustrating the difficulties teenagers encompass on their journey to adulthood.
From the Paper
"In today's world teenagers are said to have a harder time than those of yesteryear. Many experts disagree with this statement and point to J.D. Salinger's "Catcher in the Rye" to illustrate that teens have historically had a hard time finding their way before bursting onto adulthood ready to live(Elkind pg 24). When teens become lost and isolated, both in fictional works, such as "Catcher in the Rye" and in real life it is often because they have not had limits or boundaries according to the experts. "Without such limits, values, and leadership, young people drifted into states that bordered on mental illness.""
Tags:holden, adolescence, adulthood, youth, limits, boundaries, guidance
Symbolism and image patterns in "The Catcher in the Rye" by J. D. Salinger.
Analytical Essay # 35247 |
900 words (
approx. 3.6 pages ) |
3 sources |
2002
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$ 19.95
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Abstract
This paper examines J. D. Salinger's 1951 novel, "The Catcher in the Rye". The author discusses Salinger's use of symbolism and image patterns in the book and explains how these devices were used to develop his themes of youthful alienation. He notes that symbolism was used effectively to characterize the fictional people in the novel by Salinger's selection of names and that image patterns were also used to emphasize themes and instill more profound meaning in them. The author concludes that through symbolism and imagery, Salinger was able to touch his reader's emotions with much more power and effectiveness.