Catcher In The Rye Relationships

Society relies heavily on male-female relationships to function properly. These types of relationships allow families to form and help produce the next generation. When done correctly, the relationship will contribute to the foundation of continuing the human species, as well as the happiness of both partners. However, a faulty relationship between a male and a female will not benefit themselves or society. A lack of acceptance, respect, and care leads to no meaning in a relationship and, eventually, will end it. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger explores what a trivial relationship and what a genuine relationship consists of through Holden’s experiences with Sunny, Sally, and Jane. The novel believes that in genuine male-female relationships,
Today, a healthy relationship still displays these qualities, but an abusive relationship lacks the qualities. Abusive relationships involve “a pattern of abusive and coercive behaviors used to maintain power and control over a former or current intimate partner” (“What Is Relationship Abuse?”). These different abusive behaviors include “physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse” (“Is This Abuse?”). Physical abuse may involve hitting, using a weapon, or throwing an object at the victim with the intention to hurt them. Emotional abuse uses non-physical behaviors such as threats and controlling personal accounts. Sexual abuse refers to any unwanted sexual contact. In addition, the abuser uses any of these behaviors to embed a sense of power into their partner’s mind. In relation to the perspective of The Catcher in the Rye, all three types of abusive behavior violate the three main qualities of a genuine relationship. Respect requires a feeling of admiration and value, so the violent partner would not hurt their partner if they admired or valued them. Likewise, emotional abuse lacks trust. Threats to force an act and needing to have access to personal accounts show distrustfulness in the other partner. Without trust, the abused partner cannot live as they please because their partner aims to watch over their every move. Finally, sexual abuse ignores the concept of acceptance. The abuser refuses to accept the victim’s answer of no, and in turn, forces them to act in a way they wouldn’t normally. Abusive relationships disregard the qualities that determine a meaningful relationship. Ultimately, a foundation with the proper characteristics solidifies a genuine relationship, and genuine relationships act as building blocks for future