The Catcher in the Rye - Question 3

What universal theme does this book address?

This story may seem to just be the tale of a boy struggling through life, but deep down there are so many lessons and themes that can be learned from this story. One main theme that is prominent throughout the entire story is knowledge vs. wisdom. That may sound like the same thing, but actually, they are completely different. What are the advantages to a formal education as opposed to living life experiences and gaining wisdom from the things you experience? Many points are brought up in the story, and no real answer is given. It is all the choice of the reader.

Another main theme through out the story is sadness. Holden can't find his place in life, and that makes him sad. Actually, pretty much everything makes him sad. Holden often isolates himself, and that is sometimes the root of all sadness. Trying to escape isolation is sometimes a battle that can be saddening itself, and that is why Holden had such a rough struggle through out the story. Sadness was also added to the story when Holden told of his brother who died a few years ago. That could be the source of all of his sadness.

This novel was filled with many references to adult content. I mean, Holden had a prostitute in his hotel room. That isn't exactly PG rated. Sexuality was another major theme. Holden's view of sexuality was a little different from some teenagers. Holden could never imagine doing anything sexual to a woman that he respected, such as Jane Gallagher. Also, there are hints in the story that suggest that Holden was molested as a child, which would explain why he had such a hard time with his sexual identity.

Death is also a theme in the story. Holden lost his younger brother to leukemia, and he heard of another boy's suicide at the prep school. Death is hard for anyone to deal with, especially a teenager. Holden had to cope with many different losses, and that could have been part of his struggles throughout the story.

Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Little, Brown, 2001. Print.