Re: the lurkers
Joshiwosh@aol.com
Thu, 30 Dec 1999 11:39:17 -0500 (EST)
yay. I think Salinger's purpose was to put all those wierdos we see everyday
and put them in context.. no one REALLY knows what they're thinking. Without
Holden's narrative, he is just a nobody, a prep school loser who can't stand
the real world and who won't try to succeed. I think without our
puritainistic values of hardwork=success(a term everyone has a different
definition for), then we would see Catcher in the Rye not as a story of a
lost, confused boy, but as a picture of someone to whom stability and
prosperity are fake worldly goals.. and as his search for a life that is good
for him in a world built on everything he hates. As for the remark about
Holden's admission to being a compulsive liar, this is true. But to me this
was one of the most honest parts of the book. Let me explain; Holden says
something to the effect of if he was walking to the newsstand to buy a
magazine and somebody asked him where he was going, he'd be liable to say he
was going to the opera or something. Honesty, to me, is emotion and the
ability to admit emotions; this is how I meant it in my last post. Lies are
a nescesary building block in our lives, jobs, relationships, etc.. Holden's
lying is something of a harmless passtime and a creative outlet. I think his
admitting it is proof of his honesty, to the reader at least.
by the way I just got accepted into Eastern Illinois University. but I have
no idea of what to major in.. english, math, history, I don't even know if I
want to teach or not.. so if anyone feels like trying to push me in a certain
direction, English, probably for most of you, go ahead and try I'll
appreciate the influence and maybe you will solidify some decision in my
head, thanks
\Joshie.