Why The Novel “The Catcher in the Rye” Is Still Relevant for Students?
The novel “The Catcher in the Rye” is still studied in schools. However, the opinions of adolescents are not the same. While some youngsters simply love the novel and the writing style of Salinger, others deeply dislike it. There are YouTube videos of students that are stabbing the book and then burning it.
However, a big part of them admires J.D.Salinger’s talent to expose some of the young troubles every student goes through. In school or college, this novel is an iconic one for what happens. So, why is it so relevant today? Should students continue studying it in school?
The Main Story
This book tells the story of an adolescent who starts studying in a school he dislikes. However, even though his grades might suggest that he is not smart at all, he is indeed a clever guy. Only he lacks the motivation and boost to work for getting good grades. To this adds his mental and emotional instability which makes the entire story even more interesting and fascinating.
Even though it was first written having an adult audience in mind, the writing of Salinger convinced a lot of youngsters to read it. This might be also due to the similarities between the world and experiences of Holden Caulfield, the main character, a 16-year-old boy who relates all the events. You can visit the page with free Catcher in the Rye essays and find a nice analysis of the story and its meaning. Here you can find a lot of examples in the internet that will surely shed more light on the subject. As life and school in his hometown are pretty challenging due to his mental instability, he decides to start an adventure or trip on his own in New York. And the book follows the experiences of the main character, an adolescent searching for meaning.
Some might think that this story does not apply to today’s education. However, every student has at least once gone through something similar, when they felt that nothing was working. Of course, the reasons can be diverse but the book highlights an important lesson.
That indulging in vices is not a solution to the problems you have. Even though the journey of the main character in New York might not be relatable to some students, it portrays a reality that might happen in today’s world. Students might not go to New York, drink a lot of alcohol, smoke, or hire prostitutes. However, they might adopt unhealthy habits that might only make instability worse.
Its Relevance
A lot of students might not relate to the story of the main character. But they might relate to the struggles and challenges he goes through. For example, they might not like their school or the degree they have chosen. They might not feel they fit the group they are part of. They might feel they lack the motivation they need to pursue their academic goals.
But in these moments, it is essential to remember that even though some substances and events come with a feeling of relief, their effects are not positive in the long run. It teaches a crucial message to students and youngsters and it draws attention to the importance of starting therapy if you feel you need specialized help. The adolescence period is a tumultuous one where youngsters learn to make sense of their emotions and understand their behaviors.
This can easily be done with the help of a therapist, who is skilled and trained to support anyone overcome challenges in their life. The example of Holden Caulfield is one that shows what happens when you do not comply with society's norms.
