Change In Catcher In The Rye And Good Will Hunting

Year 11 English Speech
“The value of texts in developing your understanding of the concept of change.”
What is change? As young adults, our understanding of the concept of change can be limited at times. It is when we are able to engage with texts that we are able to broaden our understanding that change encompasses. J.D Salinger’s novel ‘Catcher in the Rye’, J.C. Burke’s novel Tom Brennan and Gus Sant’s film ‘Good Will Hunting’ all employ similar concepts of change. We are able to connect with these concepts as they reflect changes happening in our own lives. This allows us to then develop a greater understanding of the concept of change.
We all have to face changes in our life as we grow up. ‘Catcher in the Rye’ deals with the genre of “coming of age”. Holden
blames the world's corruption on adults and wants to stop children from growing up and losing their innocence.
These perceptions stop towards the end of the novel where he eventually realises that he cannot change this ‘crazy world’ he is in, and finally changes his perspective of reality by accepting that he is powerless.
The changes that Holden undergoes are developed through his speech and thought patterns that are written in colloquial, first person language. This gives the reader a greater insight into the world of Holden’s mind as we are able to connect to his way of thinking. Holden uses colloquial language such as “that kills me”, which assists the reader to recognise his characters nature of opposing change.
These language techniques empower the reader towards a greater understanding of the concept of change by allowing them to step into the shoes of Holden as he sorts through his land-mine of complexities and emotions.
Another similar text is Gus Van Sant’s film ‘Good Will Hunting’. Will’s history of abuse and abandonment has led him to believe that he is a mean, unlovable, and on his own in the world. He sees change and love as unnecessary risks. He is afraid of being vulnerable because it conflicts with his tough image, an image he has developed in order to function in a lonely, painful
world. Towards the conclusion of the film, Will re-evaluates his relationships, confronting his emotional issues whilst he learns to adapt, embrace and accept change. An example of a film technique used to demonstrate this change is the ‘close-up’ shot of Will’s face as he begins to cry and hug his therapist. This effectively communicates his acceptance of change as he lets down his defensive barrier and lets out his emotion. This allows the audience to identify the change that the character is undergoing and enables them to connect and gain a deeper understanding of the concept of change that has developed in the film.

Tom Brennan, written by J.C. Burke is another text that develops the reader’s concept and understanding of change.

In the text the author continually uses juxtaposition to convey the element of change by referring back to how Tom’s life was before the incident. For example “Suddenly I was sucked deeper into that long black tunnel, the memories of Fin and Daniel and how we once were, and the worst thing, the knowing. Knowing more than anything that things would never be the same”. This is an example of Tom juxtaposing his old life to his present life. This shows contrast to the reader and highlights the changes that have occurred.

As the readers engage in these texts, they identify with the changes that the characters are undergoing. Through the use of various language techniques, the reader sees, feels and experiences the different changes that the characters undergo and compares their feelings, thoughts and actions from the start, to the end of the texts. This allows the reader to familiarise, identify and understand different types of change, thus greatly developing their concept of change. *