What's the Big Deal: Praise & Criticism of The Catcher in the Rye
In his review "The Praises and Criticisms of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye," Eric Lomazoff states "...The Catcher in the Rye will continue to be a point of great public and critical debate. One must remember, however, in the study and critique of the novel, particularly for a researcher or critic in 1996, that the story was written in a different time. If originally published today, the novel would probably create little publicity and garner only average book sales. The fact that a novel of such radical social opinion and observation was written in a time of conservatism in America made it all the more controversial. Some critics scolded the novel as being too pessimistic or obscene, too harsh for the society of the 1950's. Others, however, nominated Salinger himself as the top-flight "catcher in the rye" for that period in American history (Peterson 3). They argued that Salinger's concerns represented an entire generation of American youth, frustrated by the phoniness of the world, just like Holden was. The popularity of the novel and debate over its redeeming social value have never faltered since its initial publication, due in no large part to the fact that J.D. Salinger is now a recluse. It would be conclusive to say that critics of The Catcher in the Rye have legitimate criticisms of the novel, while advocates and supporters of the story's message also have expressed veritable praise."Read the following articles (3 sites linked below) to better understand the varying opinions of literary critics.
Biography:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/29/books/29salinger.html?pagewanted=all
Analysis:
http://www.levity.com/corduroy/salinger1.htm
http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/29/reaching-holden-caulfields-grandchildren/?ref=books
Your Assignment:
1. Read the literary criticism and bio/eulogy (3 links above.)
2. Write an well developed paragraph (approximately 100 - 150 words.) Explain how your understanding of The Catcher... and/or Salinger has changed, positively or negatively, after reading the posted documents. Embed at least one quote in your discussion and refer (agree or disagree) with a comment made by one of your classmates.
*Please note, The first person to post does not need to refer to another classmate's response.
Enjoy,
Ms. O'Donnell
