The Relevance of J.D. Salingers The Catcher in the Rye in Modern Times Essay Example for Free

The Relevance of J.D. Salingers The Catcher in the Rye in Modern Times undertakeIts highly intriguing that years after its publishing, The Catcher in the Rye remains such an intriguing novel to teachers, students, and the general population alike. Yet by analyzing the main themes of the record, ane can deduce that although the slang and fashion might be outdated, The Catcher in the Rye is still relatable and relevant. This can be principally attributed to the constant theme of teenage angst and desire for rebellion, a common feeling spurred amongst the young for decades. The book in addition remains relevant because of the history behind the book as well as the culture it has created. Regardless of opinions however, J.D. Salingers The Catcher in the Rye, although written half a century ago, maintains relevance in this time as a coming of age novel that opens linear perspectives and boldly exposes themes that were once tabooed in the American society.To begin, Holden has p rimarily maintained relevance in the modern age because he continues to give a voice to the spring chicken of our society. Taking a tone of rebellion, Holden separates himself from the society that is so illegitimate in his eyes, and seems to form a realm of his avow within his mind. This primarily entails his disrespect for most adults and the rules they make for everyone. You can see Holdens disdain for adults during his conversation with Mr. Spencer, I could shoot the old bull to old Spencer and esteem about those ducks at the same timeYou dont have to think too hard when you talk to a teacher. (Salinger 18). The aspect of Salingers novel that is most relevant to youth straight off is how it shows teenage years as a time of conflict and change.Conflict is found non only between a teenager and their society, but also between other people, and rase within themselves. Holden seems to despise his environment, mocking others as phonies and criticizing actions and events everywh ere. Says Holden about a friend of Sallys, he went to Andover. Big, big dealHe was the kind of a role player that have to give themselves room when they answer somebodys question. (Salinger 165) This is parallel to the infamous teenage stereotype of rebellion and disobedience, as youth today are perceived as arrogant and wanting to create their own rules. The novel provokes emotion within the reader because they are finally able to connect with someone on that level.On that note, the book also connects with a teenagers insecurities and self-evaluation, proven by its usage by other authors. An example of this would be the novel King Dork, in which the main flake Tom criticizes his school for lauding The Catcher in the Rye when it really isnt that special. The truth of the matter, however, is that Tom is extremely similar to Holden, in that they both have emotional and mixed lives as teenagers filled with angst and discord. The fact that Catcher is referred to so much in this nove l that is half a century newer shows that J.D. Salinger has made an impact in youth literature and created a template for which writers can explore the complexity of the teenage mind.Finally, the book remains an essential part of the 20th century culture not only because of the message of teenage angst it portrays but because of the following it gained and notoriety of some supporters. Notably, The Catcher in the Rye was noted to be an integral part to two separate, high profile performance attempts, one of which was successful.The most famous incident was the 1980 assassination of John Lennon by Mark David Chapman. Chapman, who at one point even tried to change his name to Holden Caulfield, assassinated John Lennon in 1980. When arrested, Chapman was clutching a copy of The Catcher in the Rye, and wrote inside, This is my statement (Ball). In an interview, Chapman stated he was literally living insideThe Catcher in the Rye (Chapman). While Chapman was institutionalized, and the connection he made from the book to the murder has yet to be determined, the mystery of the books inspiration for murder still intrigues people (Ball).In conclusion, The Catcher in the Rye still captures interest from readers today because the message of teenage angst and growth is timeless. The novel is able to efficaciously portray a teenagers rebellious nature and rejection of society that masks uncertainty of ones own self. It also has a sense of mystery surrounding it, as inspired one of the most well known murders of the 20th century. J.D. Salinger captivates readers because the novel lacks the stereotypical sugar coating of a young adult novel it gives a true perspective on the trouble of being a teenager and exposes a whole new realm that people can appreciate.Works CitedBall, Sarah. J.D. Salingers Influence. The Daily Beast. 27 Jan. 2010. Web. 23 Sept. 2011. http//www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/01/27/the-gospel-according-to-holden.html.Chapman, Mark D. Mark David Chap man in His Own Words. Interview by Larry King. CNN. 30 Sept. 200. Web. 22 Sept. 2011. http//transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0009/30/lklw.00.html.Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston Little, Brown, 1951. Print.