Catcher in the Rye Questions Essay Example
CATCHER IN THE RYE QUESTIONS:
1. The novel can be described as a bildungsroman genre, in other words, a rite of passage novel. In what way does Holden experience a rite of passage?
The rite of passage experienced by Holden in the text involves the original identity of Holden: a typical representation of the angst teen, susceptible to extreme dips between depression and contentedness, who has a profound distaste for most of society fed by his belief he has the ability to read behaviour to determine the motives of human beings and in short prove the ‘phoney’ nature of almost everyone. His character alter through one pivotal moment in the text, where he satisfies a desperate need to be close to someone by spending time with his little sister, the perfect representation of innocence, and ultimately realizes the potential of genuinely un-phoney entities, and therefore a reason to desist with his marginalized existence, and enjoy life!
2. Comment on the tone of the novel. Include specific examples in your answer.
There is no doubt ‘Catcher in the Rye’ is a depressing read. Through the eyes of the narrator, Holden, a pessimistic teen, a materialistic, empty and cold world is depicted, lacking in any substance. Short sentences give a blunt tone: ‘the Goddam movies. They can ruin you. I’m not kidding’ and contrary to drawn out, floury sentences, the Catcher moves at a fast pace with little detailed descriptions and imagery utilized. The ever present profanity gives the reader a clear sense of a youthful viewpoint or else one significantly distanced from high society. Persuasive and abbreviated language contributes to a young, blunt and quick paced feel: ‘I swear you’d like her’. The book has a negative tone, even to the point that positive things have negative connotations: where Holden says ‘That killed me’ he is expressing contentedness.
3. How does Holden's use of vernacular (colloquialisms, slang and profanity) assist the reader?
Holden’s use of
1. The novel can be described as a bildungsroman genre, in other words, a rite of passage novel. In what way does Holden experience a rite of passage?
The rite of passage experienced by Holden in the text involves the original identity of Holden: a typical representation of the angst teen, susceptible to extreme dips between depression and contentedness, who has a profound distaste for most of society fed by his belief he has the ability to read behaviour to determine the motives of human beings and in short prove the ‘phoney’ nature of almost everyone. His character alter through one pivotal moment in the text, where he satisfies a desperate need to be close to someone by spending time with his little sister, the perfect representation of innocence, and ultimately realizes the potential of genuinely un-phoney entities, and therefore a reason to desist with his marginalized existence, and enjoy life!
2. Comment on the tone of the novel. Include specific examples in your answer.
There is no doubt ‘Catcher in the Rye’ is a depressing read. Through the eyes of the narrator, Holden, a pessimistic teen, a materialistic, empty and cold world is depicted, lacking in any substance. Short sentences give a blunt tone: ‘the Goddam movies. They can ruin you. I’m not kidding’ and contrary to drawn out, floury sentences, the Catcher moves at a fast pace with little detailed descriptions and imagery utilized. The ever present profanity gives the reader a clear sense of a youthful viewpoint or else one significantly distanced from high society. Persuasive and abbreviated language contributes to a young, blunt and quick paced feel: ‘I swear you’d like her’. The book has a negative tone, even to the point that positive things have negative connotations: where Holden says ‘That killed me’ he is expressing contentedness.
3. How does Holden's use of vernacular (colloquialisms, slang and profanity) assist the reader?
Holden’s use of