Catcher In The Rye Conformity Essay
In The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, the protagonist, Holden, exclaims that he dreams of a life where he can, “just be the catcher in the rye and all” (Salinger 200). Due to the pressures of American conformity in the early 1950’s, he discovers that he will never live a life where he simply keeps children from “falling off of cliffs”―helping them preserve their innocence. The Catcher in the Rye teaches readers that America promotes a materialistic culture in which conformity prevails.
Throughout the story, Holden searches for purpose in life after attempting to escape from conformist values by leaving his third prep school, Pencey Prep. However, his desire for individuality conflicts with the strong conformity in America in the 1950’s. While in New York City, Holden goes on a date with a girl named Sally Hayes. Holden expresses his hatred of materialism to Sally―indicating that he hates “living in New York” and “being introduced to phony guys that call the Lunts angels” (Salinger 145). After Holden suggests his idea to run away and live a non-conformist life together, Sally helps him realize that he possesses unrealistic dreams, stating that they will only experience “marvelous places” after …show more content…
he goes “to college and all” (Salinger 147). Due to the rise of materialism in America, everyone became expected to earn college degrees in order to later live the expensive lives which most desired.
Many may believe that one can reject materialism and conformity if they attempt to do so.
However, Salinger proves this common theory false through the character of Holden. While Holden constantly calls others “phonies,” he himself acts as a phony because of the influence of conformity due to materialism in America. He states, “It isn’t important, I know, but I hate it when people have cheap suitcases. It sounds terrible to say it, but I can even get to hate somebody, just looking at them” (Salinger 108). The influence of the American desire for expensive products after the post-World War II improved economy causes fortunate humans to look down upon those who do not possess the same products as they do―even if they claim to despise the growth of materialism in
America.
Ultimately, Holden does not attain his desired life of non-conformity. At the end of the book, he states, “I go back in school next September”―displaying that society forced him to conform. In the America today, citizens conform to the expectations of society more than ever―likely due to the ever-increasing consumerism in the country. Unless the growth of materialism diminishes, Americans will continue living up to society’s standards―promoting a lack of individuality which halts creativity.
Throughout the story, Holden searches for purpose in life after attempting to escape from conformist values by leaving his third prep school, Pencey Prep. However, his desire for individuality conflicts with the strong conformity in America in the 1950’s. While in New York City, Holden goes on a date with a girl named Sally Hayes. Holden expresses his hatred of materialism to Sally―indicating that he hates “living in New York” and “being introduced to phony guys that call the Lunts angels” (Salinger 145). After Holden suggests his idea to run away and live a non-conformist life together, Sally helps him realize that he possesses unrealistic dreams, stating that they will only experience “marvelous places” after …show more content…
he goes “to college and all” (Salinger 147). Due to the rise of materialism in America, everyone became expected to earn college degrees in order to later live the expensive lives which most desired.
Many may believe that one can reject materialism and conformity if they attempt to do so.
However, Salinger proves this common theory false through the character of Holden. While Holden constantly calls others “phonies,” he himself acts as a phony because of the influence of conformity due to materialism in America. He states, “It isn’t important, I know, but I hate it when people have cheap suitcases. It sounds terrible to say it, but I can even get to hate somebody, just looking at them” (Salinger 108). The influence of the American desire for expensive products after the post-World War II improved economy causes fortunate humans to look down upon those who do not possess the same products as they do―even if they claim to despise the growth of materialism in
America.
Ultimately, Holden does not attain his desired life of non-conformity. At the end of the book, he states, “I go back in school next September”―displaying that society forced him to conform. In the America today, citizens conform to the expectations of society more than ever―likely due to the ever-increasing consumerism in the country. Unless the growth of materialism diminishes, Americans will continue living up to society’s standards―promoting a lack of individuality which halts creativity.