Outside Reading

What I think of the Catcher and the Rye is not very pleasant at all. So far I have found out that the book has very low connotation and diction. So it’s not as if I’m broadening my vocabulary by reading this book. If anything, I’m learning how to use new swearwords because the charter uses them profusely.

As for the theme of the novel I think it might have something to do with growing up and facing your responsibilities. Holden seems very dissatisfied with the life around him and tries to act nonchalant about it. But you can tell that he knows he’s doing the wrong thing because he feels guilty. It’s almost as if Holden is depressed and is poised on making the decision to either assume adulthood or stay in his reminiscing childhood.

A book that can compare to the theme of the Catcher and the Rye is David Copperfield. David just like Holden goes through the struggle of growing up, responsibility and wisdom. But instead of being like Holden, who has all the money in the world, David is on the poor side of society. Both characters are of age and trying to find their way in the world without failing and in Holden’s situation having an emotional breakdown.

My idea for a creative project is to draw Holden as an adult and to draw him as a child. Then I will draw the bridge of transition and growing up between them. This would be an ultimate simple of growing up and what it means to Holden to grow up.