So I read the classic Salinger novel recently. I think I'm the only person who skipped reading this in High School. I guess I'll throw some opinions and analysis your way. Warning: stuffy booktalk ahead.
First, I really enjoyed it. Even if it was written decades ago, the way people behave, and the social commentary is still pretty damn accurate. However, I don't at all agree with the idea that this is some grand novel that speaks to the alienated youth of the world, and that a person like Holden is some beautiful and misunderstood flower. Separating it from of his mental state, so much of his attitude is completely asinine. He hates phonies, but consistently acts like one, making up all sorts of lies. He doesn't like class, spends other people's money liberally, drinks underage. Basically, he acts like a spoiled schmuck that I might see on my own campus on any given day. The kind of person who doesn't want responsibility, and thinks they have some grand insight into the world without realizing their own hypocrisy.
Thing is, I don't blame Holden, because its pretty clear that the kid isn't right in the head. What's amazing to me is that the novel associates these qualities with a mentally disturbed teenager. I can't say how original it is as an interpretation, but it seems to me that Salinger is trying to make a point about how ridiculous, even pathetic, people are becoming in our society. This isn't not something we should equate with goodness. Its a problem, and we shouldn't let perfectly normal people get away with such ridiculous actions. It might not be easy, but there's a time when we all need to stop being kids. Why some seem to try and pretend that's not the case is beyond me.
No comments:
Post a Comment