Catcher In The Rye Loneliness

People tend to seek out literature with which they can connect to. Perhaps that is why J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in The Rye is still relevant to many readers, especially teens, today, because the experiences and feelings that Holden has resemble that of teens today. Many people start to explore feelings of love and sex during their teen years. For most it is exciting, but terrifying as well. Holden tries to play himself up to be a sex maniac, when in reality when a prostitute shows up at his door he asks her if she “...[feels] like talking for a while?” (Salinger 124). Sex with someone trusted, let alone a stranger, is a major step for teens today and Holden alike. His fear and uncertainty are perceptible and obvious. Countless number of teens today are able to identify with Holden’s fear and uncertainty when in sexual situations.
Loneliness can arise from many situations but always leaves people with a state of empathy towards those who feel it. Holden “slept in the garage the night [Allie] died…” (Salinger 50). Allie’s death is one of the main causes of Holden’s loneliness. Holden’s feelings are analogous to many teens today. Different events make teens susceptible to loneliness — difficult to reach expectations, fights with significant others, death of relatives, stress from daily activities. The spectrum of events ranges, but the feeling that arises is relatable to the majority of people. Holden’s feelings are analogous to many teens today. Loneliness is timeless and universal amongst people, which only makes how Holden feels that much relevant to teens today.
The feelings and certain experiences Holden goes through are universal, and with his age, increase how much teens are able to relate to this work of literature. J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in The Rye is still relevant to many readers, especially teens, today, because the experiences and feelings that Holden has are similar to that of teens