Controversy
Ever since its publication in 1951, J.D. Salinger's, The Catcher in the Rye has served as a firestorm for controversy and debate. Critics have argued the moral issues raised by the book and the context in which it is presented. Some have argued that Salinger's tale of the human condition is fascinating and enlightening, yet incredibly depressing. The psychological battles of the novel's main character, Holden Caulfield, serve as the basis for critical argument (Lomazoff)
Arguments for Banning
Arguments for Banning
- Caulfield's self-destruction over a period of days forces one to contemplate society's attitude toward the human condition.
- Salinger's portrayal of Holden, which includes incidents of depression, nervous breakdown, impulsive spending, sexual exploration, vulgarity, and other erratic behavior, have all attributed to the controversial nature of the novel.
Just for Fun.... http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/267355/lets-read-it-now
Links to websites that address how to use these arguments as teachable moments...
http://www.levity.com/corduroy/salinger1.htm
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/818945?uid=3739552&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21102175136117
Work Cited
Lomazoff, Eric. "The Praises and Criticisms of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye." The Praises and Criticisms of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.
Lomazoff, Eric. "The Praises and Criticisms of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye." The Praises and Criticisms of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.