Catcher In The Rye Feminist Essay
Different readers will always take different interpretations of a text depending on a variety of contextual factors. Political, religious and social values that dominate different eras will sculpt ones understandings of the messages portrayed in a novel. A New Historicist take on J.D Salinger’s novel, “The Catcher in the Rye” will warrant different opinions to that of a Feminist approach on the themes presented. Holden’s self alienation, reluctance to growing up, conform to societal stereotypes and his interactions with others convey underlying messages that will be interpreted through historical context and gender roles from modern 21st century perspectives. An issue explored in the novel is Holden’s disinclination to conform to the rigid
…show more content…
“…the two teams bashing each other all over the place” The negative connotation of the football game illustrates Holden’s disregard for what he sees as a violent sport, not something one usually sees with your average 1950’s prep school teenage boy. “last game of the year, and you were supposed to commit suicide or something if old Pencey didn’t win.” His sarcastic tone further highlights his disinterest in the pursuits of a male teenager of that era. Similarly, love for literature and interest in nature were not traits consistent with the conventional image of a teenage boy. “By any chance, do you happen to know where they go, the ducks?” The sensitivity conveyed in Holden’s fascination with the ducks at Central Park is a characteristic consonant with younger children or women. Contrasting to this point, however, there is the underlying implication that Holden feels he must assert his masculinity. His use of swearing and profanities not only set him apart from a conservative society but also accentuate his need to establish himself in a patriarchal America, where women are portrayed as the two extreme stereotypes - either innocent and naïve, or prostitutes and those weaker in nature. “sort of afraid, that they’d all of a sudden try to find out if I was a Catholic.” This statement refers to the guilt he would feel if the three nuns were to find out about
“…the two teams bashing each other all over the place” The negative connotation of the football game illustrates Holden’s disregard for what he sees as a violent sport, not something one usually sees with your average 1950’s prep school teenage boy. “last game of the year, and you were supposed to commit suicide or something if old Pencey didn’t win.” His sarcastic tone further highlights his disinterest in the pursuits of a male teenager of that era. Similarly, love for literature and interest in nature were not traits consistent with the conventional image of a teenage boy. “By any chance, do you happen to know where they go, the ducks?” The sensitivity conveyed in Holden’s fascination with the ducks at Central Park is a characteristic consonant with younger children or women. Contrasting to this point, however, there is the underlying implication that Holden feels he must assert his masculinity. His use of swearing and profanities not only set him apart from a conservative society but also accentuate his need to establish himself in a patriarchal America, where women are portrayed as the two extreme stereotypes - either innocent and naïve, or prostitutes and those weaker in nature. “sort of afraid, that they’d all of a sudden try to find out if I was a Catholic.” This statement refers to the guilt he would feel if the three nuns were to find out about