Modern-day+Relevance

I’m 18 years old and every bit as confused and wandering as Holden. When I read this book for the first time, I laughed so hard I cried and cried so hard I could barely breathe. Yeah, my generation has Twitter and Facebook and cellphones and what-have-you. The world is always changing in little ways like that. It’s the big things that don’t change — and even in an era of such impossible interconnectedness, there is no way to circumvent the feeling of being utterly alone and misunderstood. Plenty of teenagers still love Catcher in the Rye. In fact, my Facebook feed was full of tributes to Salinger the day he died. If that doesn’t prove that this book has got appeal that spans generational differences, I don’t know what could. — C. M. Dougan “The Catcher in the Rye” is not dated, uninteresting, or irrelevant to my generation as compared to yours. Holden’s rebellious search to understand human nature and himself, is something every human being must go through at some point of his or her life — and will most likely never complete. Those who would be lost in your generation of teenagers, are still lost. One of the largest gaps in your understanding of my generation, is that you — for some reason — believe all kids lie on either the “good” or “bad” end of the spectrum. — J.Clay The first time I read ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ I loved it, because I connected with it immediately. It’s naive to say that teenagers are no longer teenagers, or that they don’t have the same teen angst that Holden has, because we do, trust me we do. //— Chelsea Rego //
 * __ WH __****__AT TEENAGERS THINK OF CATCHER IN THE RYE/ITS IMPORTANCE TO TEENAGERS __**

These three quotes from different teenagers who have already read the book, signify that they all experience, we all experience, what Holden is going through. It tells us that we, as teenagers, connect to Holden in some way, maybe not as early as Chelsea, but we feel like him some point in time when we are reading the book.

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“I think everybody can relate to Holden Caulfield even if it’s only in a small way. There are aspects of Holden that are common to teenagers, especially the aspect of rebelliousness. An empowering sense of independence and movement towards maturity influences adolescents to rebel against their parents, peers and teachers. Overall,  The Catcher in the Rye   could   help   modern-day adolescents and encourage them to make better choices”

 “The 1950’s version of adolescence presented in the novel is not much different from that of today– only in the way it is demonstrated by teenagers themselves. Six decades is not enough time to expect such cultural attitudes towards adolescents to change to the point where the novel is no longer relevant.”

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**__WHAT RELAVENCE IT HAS TO TEENS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY __**

“The Catcher In The Rye awakens the soul of youth across America and the rest of the world. Holden, just as many young students is struggling in school and coping to find their place in life. As young readers follow Holden on his journeys, many are in similar shoes to the main character of the novel. This in turn, can change the readers perspective, as they have a direct connection to the main character in the novel. The Catcher In The Rye is a valuable piece of literature that can help teach children across the globe the value of education even when failure seems inevitable.”

We feel that this book can change the way that people who have read this book, and their perspective, just like this person said. There are many decisions that Holden has had to make throughout the book and many that he has already decided what to do. Even though he comes off as this bad boy who doesn't care about anything and he does what he wants, we think what he really wants is acceptance. As well as someone to talk to. He is so lonely now that Allie is gone because he was connected with his brother deeply before he died. And, he looked up to him. He just doesn't want to show it because he doesn't like to show his feelings with anyone, especially himself. He thinks he's too strong to show his feelings. Throughout this novel, there are many decisions that Holden has to make that will affect him greatly. This makes the reader think second thoughts about their own life. As the author says; "They have a direct connection to the main character in the novel" so the reader finds himself/herself making similar decisions to Holden's life. It gives them second thoughts about their own life, and their own decisions.  [] <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #000000; line-height: 19px; padding-right: 10px;"> “An adolescent struggling to find his own identity, possesses many characteristics that easily link him to the typical teenager living today… Holden's actions are those that any teenage can clearly relate with… Thusly, this novel and its main character's experiences can easily be related to and will forever link Holden with every member of society, because everyone was or will be a teen. The first and most obvious characteristic found in most teens, including Holden, would be the desire for independence… Every teenager tries, in his or her own way, to be independent. Instead of admitting to one's parents of a wrongful deed, the teen tries covering up the mistake or avoiding it in hopes that they won't get in any trouble. They feel that they have enough intelligence to think through a problem without going to their parents for assistance. ”

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**__ REFERENCES TO CATCHER IN THE RYE __** <span style="color: black; line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">MUSIC - “Catcher in the Rye” by Guns and Roses <span style="line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> è It reveals much similar to themes of the novel, it also says a lot similar to what Holden would think, when looking at the lyrics, you can really tell that Holden could have been thinking these things. Of course, I don’t know if it has any resemblance to the book or not, but it does look like it. <span style="color: black; line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">- “Another Lonely Day” by Ben Harper <span style="line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> è This song also is like Holden is actually speaking these words. Especially the first few lines; “Yes indeed, I’m alone again. And here comes emptiness crashing in. It’s either love or hate, I can’t find in between…” This could have to be about Allie, since he died and he adored him, as he described him in the book, and how he was affected when he passed, even though he did not show it. Also, with the lyrics; “‘Cause the one I love today, I hardly know, You I held so close in my heart, Oh dear… It wouldn’t have worked out anyway. So now it’s just another lonely day…” It could be that Holden is thinking about Jane, because he didn’t know her very well, but he just didn’t know her feelings for her. Now, he cannot be with her because he got kicked out, and he is probably thinking that she is going to be with Stradlater now that they went out on the date. <span style="color: black; line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">- “Unwell” by Matchbox Twenty <span style="line-height: 17.25pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"> - <span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;">Hold on  <span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;"> Feeling like I’m headed for a breakdown And I don’t know why… - <span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;">All day staring at the ceiling <span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;"> Making friends with shadows on my wall All night hearing voices telling me That I should get some sleep Because tomorrow might be good for something <span style="line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> è These first lyrics represent Holden very well because we remember back in the hotel room, and after they beat him up while he was just lying there, on his bed, not knowing what to do. But knowing that he wanted to die. Also, that he was lonely. <span style="color: black; line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">MOVIES - “Annie Hall” (1977) Woody Allen <span style="line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> è The main character says that he only owns books with the words ‘death’ or dying’ then this girl named Diane picks up “Catcher in the Rye” and says, “What about this one?” <span style="color: black; line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">- “The Shining” (1980) <span style="line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> è A girl, Wendy, is seen reading the novel in one of the scenes <span style="color: black; line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">- “Chasing Amy” Kevin Smith <span style="line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> è The character, Holden McNeil, is named after Holden Caulfield  <span style="display: block; line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -24px;">hvfu - "Igby Goes Down" Burr Steels <span style="display: block; line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> è We think that “Igby Goes Down” is the most near to “Catcher in the Rye,” as it has similar a similar theme to the main character. They are both outlaws in the world, and his struggle to making his own decisions and about being an adult. Igby, the main character in “Igby Goes Down” is much like Holden and his family, Igby and Holden both live in New York, and have parents that are sometimes hard to be around, along with being wealthy. They both run away from the real life for a little while, because they are sick of the life that they are living in. As well as getting kicked out of many schools. Even though “Igby Goes Down” was supposed not supposed to be based on “Catcher in the Rye,” it was supposed to be an autobiography. Though Igby and Holden are much alike, they also have the same plot. Living on their own for a while, with no one, and living off their own money. Read more on "Igby Goes Down" : <span style="display: block; line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> [] <span style="display: block; line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> See the trailer: <span style="display: block; line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> [] <span style="display: block; line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> there's also an explanation of the book with clips of "Igby Goes Down" : <span style="display: block; line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">[] <span style="display: block; line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> <span style="display: block; line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> TELEVISION " 8 Simple Rules”

<span style="display: block; line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> è Both Paul and Bridget say that “Catcher in the Rye” is their favorite book - “Gilmore Girls” <span style="line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> è There are comparisons of Holden Caulfield and Jess, Stars Hollow’s rebel. In one episode, Rory says, “I guess that’s what you have to do when you’re trying to be Holden Caulfield.”

BOOKS - “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” Stephen Chbosky <span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">è The narrator recommends the book to the readers. Also, I think the main character, supposedly his name is Charlie, is a bit like Holden Caulfield. Not about being a rebel, or anything like that, but of the topics discussed, what goes through Charlie’s mind, and also, a bit about Charlie’s personality. There is something a bit different about Charlie, the way he talks and acts to others, and the way he thinks to himself. It’s not the same as Holden, but there is something different about him than others. The topics that he discusses much like Holden are; teenage sexualities and adolescence. He discusses the topic about what maybe having sex is like, and dreaming about it. <span style="color: black; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">read more about the book: <span style="color: black; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">[]

COMIC STRIPS - Frazz è <span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">An eight year old named by his parents after Holden Caulfield. Although he is not like Holden in many ways, he has some characteristics that are similar to Holden. Unlike Holden though, he is a genius but hates school because there is not enough challenge, where Holden, he doesn’t like school in general because he doesn’t care about it. If there was a detention in Holden’s school, he would probably get it, or if there was, he never talked about it, but Caulfield gets in detention a lot.

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Conclusion:

Even though we did not get a straight-forward answer on why we still read "Catcher in the Rye" today, I think it is very clear why we read it; we read it because it reminds us of ourselves, being teenagers. Maybe even makes us open our eyes about being a teenager and to make better choices for our lives are. We, as teens, relate to Holden very much so; in the way he's feeling. acting, being e teenager etc. We have researched many sites, and they all are saying the same thing; that teenagers relate to what Holden says and does throughout this book. How we are coping to being accepted and to do something in their life. Yes, we repeated this many times throughout our wiki page, but it is all true; we relate to Holden in some way. Every teenager that has read this book. Maybe now parents and grown-ups don't understand why we read this book for the vulgarity and other responses about this book, but it is because they forgot, if they read it, about relating to how Holden feels, and what he is going through in his adolescent years. Parents forget that they once too, related to Holden in some way when reading this book. Many references are made to this book, whether they have similar themes, or they are just referencing it, because it was an important book throughout. It reminded and still reminds that we feel what Holden goes through as teenagers. And I think that is why we still read this book today. <span style="color: #333333; display: block; line-height: 18.7pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">