The Catcher in the Rye is one of my favorite books of all time. I would even go so far to say that it was the most influential book in my adolescence. Therefore, I was literally infuriated by this article (which I found via Gawker). While reading “Why We Shouldn’t Still Be Learning Catcher in the Rye,” I continually
wanted to scream out loud — Honestly, what were you thinking, Anne Trubek?
Why is The Catcher in the Rye still a rite of high school English? Sure, J.D. Salinger’s novel was edgy and controversial when teachers first put it on their syllabi. But that was 50 years ago. Today, Salinger’s novel lacks the currency or shock value it once had, and has lost some of its critical cachet. But it is still ubiquitously taught even though many newer novels of adolescence are available.
The Catcher in the Rye cannot be compared to “newer novels of adolescence.” It does not “lack the currency or shock value it once had.” It has not “lost some of its critical cachet.” In fact, I believe Holden Caulfield remains one of the most powerful characters in literary history. I believe he continues to represent an ideal that any adolescent can relate to. He does not conform. He does not wish to give in to the expectations of society. Holden is looking for something outside of the norm. He encourages independence and free thinking. He encourages the act of questioning (an act that will never lose its relevance).
I believe that by not reading this novel, one is actually missing out on something significant, something powerful. What should we do? Remove this book from our high school reading lists because it has lost its appeal? Because other books have been written that surpass Salinger’s most famous piece of literature? Should this go for every book that was once banned? Every book that was once burned? Every book that used to be on reading lists? Are they all outdated?
I could not disagree more with Anne Trubek. I could not insist more that The Catcher in the Rye is still influential for young readers. This book was the first that I ever truly loved. It was the first time I remember reading something that I could not put down. It was the first time I realized that I actually enjoyed reading. Take that away, take that possibility away, and young readers will inevitably miss out on this experience. You don’t have to have grown up in the 1950s to identify with Holden. That is part of its beauty, its power. That is Salinger’s genius.
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