Catcher in the Rye- Values & Attitudes

In the book Catcher in the Rye, the author reveals many of his values and attitudes through his writing. I think that every author reveals some of their values in their books they write. I think that the author wrote about how some people do not want to transition from childhood to adulthood, like Holden in this book. I think that by writing about this transition this reveals that the author values childhood. In the book Holden imagines himself watching children play in a field of rye and he keeps them from falling off the cliff into adulthood. This shows that Holden did not want to grow up and that he did not want other children to grow up either. Holden thinks that everyone in the adult world loses their child like innocence and gains phoniness. Holden uses the word phoniness to describe how adults are superficial and hypocritical. Holden thinks that the children are more innocent and honest that everyone else in the adult world, and that is why is afraid to grow up. I think that the author writes about this transition because everyone goes through it and some people, like Holden, may not want to grow up. I also think that by writing about the phoniness of the adult world this shows that the author thinks that adults are superficial and hypocritical, just as Holden does. Holden's fear of change and maturing keep him from having any real relationships with anyone besides his sister Phoebe. Every time he tries to cure his loneliness by starting a relationship, he ruins it because of his fear of change and of growing up. I think that in the book Catcher in the Rye the author reveals many of his values and attitudes. I think that when authors use their books to reveal their values and attitudes, it gives the readers a better understanding of the authors. I think the author did a really good job revealing his values and attitudes through his writing.

Bibliography

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