Similarities Between Catcher In The Rye And The Bell Jar
One of the most problematic time periods of people’s lives is adolescence. Adolescence is an immense transformation from being a child and turning into a responsible adult. Everyone experiences this renovation at different times in their lives and experience it in different ways as well. Some people may consider this the best transition in their lifetime, and others may struggle through it hitting a rough patch. Characters Holden from The Catcher In The Rye and Esther from The Bell Jar are those of the less providential through out this life lasting transition. Having this book written in first person, you get to follow along on their journeys cheering them on long the way. Holden and Esther are very parallel characters. They experience many
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Both characters have complications living up to societies potentials. Holden is isolated from society. He feels as if he is supposed to shield and protect himself from everything. Holden has difficulties interacting with others believing everyone is a ‘phony’. This causes Holden to isolate himself from the rest of society making him feel very alienated. “Life is a game boy. Life is a game that one plays accordingly to the rules.” (pg 8). This quote shows how society has expectations to live up to, and everyone abides by the rules to win the game in the end. Holden does not take his schooling seriously causing him to drop out, eventually leading up to lack of education for his adulthood career. Esther on the other hand is very passionate about poetry. After her lover, Buddy revealed to Esther that her poems are “a piece of dust”(pg 56). and .. “after I had children I would feel differently, and wouldn’t want to write poems any more”(pg 85); she was unsure of what the future holds for her. Esther was torn between her love for writing poetry, and her desires to begin her own family. Esther felt isolated by societies rules. It is expected of a woman to have children and start a family. Does Esther have to replace her love for poetry with a loving family to meet societies
Both characters have complications living up to societies potentials. Holden is isolated from society. He feels as if he is supposed to shield and protect himself from everything. Holden has difficulties interacting with others believing everyone is a ‘phony’. This causes Holden to isolate himself from the rest of society making him feel very alienated. “Life is a game boy. Life is a game that one plays accordingly to the rules.” (pg 8). This quote shows how society has expectations to live up to, and everyone abides by the rules to win the game in the end. Holden does not take his schooling seriously causing him to drop out, eventually leading up to lack of education for his adulthood career. Esther on the other hand is very passionate about poetry. After her lover, Buddy revealed to Esther that her poems are “a piece of dust”(pg 56). and .. “after I had children I would feel differently, and wouldn’t want to write poems any more”(pg 85); she was unsure of what the future holds for her. Esther was torn between her love for writing poetry, and her desires to begin her own family. Esther felt isolated by societies rules. It is expected of a woman to have children and start a family. Does Esther have to replace her love for poetry with a loving family to meet societies