The Catcher in the Rye - The Freedomain Radio Review

What JD Salinger was trying to tell us, and why he became a recluse when we did not listen. Oh, and why the book is so popular among assassins.

http://www.freedomainradio.com

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• salinger
• catcher
• in
• rye
• review

[peyapepur]

Sexual Abuse is part of what the book is about but not all of it. Catcher in the Rye is overall about Innocence. One can't just overlook things like Holden brother's death among many other things and reduce the meaning to sexual abuse. It tells the story of a misunderstood boy seen as a rebel by the world when all he really is, is fighting to stay innocent and pure. From protecting his sister, to hating that his brother has gone to Hollywood, to being, well, the catcher in the Rye.

[magicaltrevrox]

I'm not sure that Holden was sexually abused - He is an unreliable narrator, so he's probably exaggerating the number anyway, and in the 50s, homosexuality was considered perverted and wrong, and Holden expresses previously in the book that he is basically homophobic (When talking with Carl Luce), so he could be referring to 'perverty' homosexual encounters. I agree that Jane is probably abused though, and though I don't agree with the overall message, this video was very helpful:)

[allg0odnamesaretaken]

02:58

twenty times means twice!

he has the habit of always multiplying things 10 times or more .

he's also a very good lair

[susankohistany]

I think I like Holden a lot because even though I'm a girl I look at things just as he does. For a second I thought I reading myself narrating. 

[matthewlee96]

I respect this opinion, however I wouldn't entirely agree. I believe that Holden Caulfield is a character who everyone relates to a different way. Whatever a person relates to the most they believe is the main theme. For example, as I read the story I felt a lot in common with Holden as he described all the "phony" people around him. For me, the theme is very difficult to express in words and I'm sure that others feel this way too. I disagree, because I don't feel that the book has a main theme.

[pmizzle2010]

Great video by the way.

[pmizzle2010]

This book is about innocence. This book is about innocence. This book is about innocence. Enough already! This man is attempting to go beyond the normal Cliffsnotes interpretation and present viewers with a much different point of view, yet people still want to comment and contribute nothing with the same ole analysis.. Is not child sexual abuse a loss of innocence? Is it possible Holden wishes to be "the catcher in the rye" to prevent kids from falling off the cliff (abused) like he has?

[ryan0reese]

@peyapepur I found his analysis lacking in textual evidence and his social theories without evidence whatsoever.

[blackmetallicgirl]

There are myriad interpertations- and could explore more but yes, innocence is one and how it is lost. Holden falls in "identity vs. role diffusion" according to Erikson.he is trying to find his place/person He exhibits signs of depression- self medication, academic difficulties, inablility to cope. Adolesence is a vital time for development &Holden's is tainted due to events, and relationships with adults and peers.He exhibits signs of regression- in order to protect himself. just a thought.

[blackmetallicgirl]

I think an individual can definetly look at this novel through the lens of psychodynamic theory. Many of the ego defenses ie: reperssion, ties in with mr. antolini. Possibly the novel could be seen as devaluing Holden as a person, and all together just the other young characters. Perhaps, Salinger was focusing on the denial of this private problem. Also, object relations could be applied also. Holden possibly lacked the ego strengths necessary to form and create healthy bonds. Interesting take_

[funckyjunky]

I disagree.

[ScreamFlip]

@peyapepurHolden also exagerates EVERYTHING,this whole book he mentions pheobe and he brings up jane because she hasnt "fallen off of the cliff in the rye field",when he says he likes her keeping her kings in the back row hes referring to her innocence and being a virgin,this doesnt hav to do anything with sexual abuse?This is why JD hid, this is why he turned down movie offers for the book,becuz he doesnt want to b a phony, holden says he hates movies too. JD hid becuz of people like this guy.