Ages
TravROIS@aol.com
Sat, 24 Oct 1998 16:42:36 -0400 (EDT)
It's funny some of you should connect being a teenager to understanding
Catcher better. Myself, as a teenager (14), feel that it's not like that at
all. I feel I can relate to Holden not because of the lingo or that we are
around the same age and going through similar things, but because of the
loneliness and detachment from others. Incidentally from my fellow teenagers.
Knowing the teenage mind, as I believe I do with disgusting accuracy, I think
most teenagers who read Catcher rarely do it on their own (rather being
introduced to it at school. A thought that makes me physically ill) and
they're more impressed with how Holden talks then with the intricacy placed
behind it as well as other Salinger works. Speaking of which, I think that is
the main reason more teenagers don't get into other Salinger works. Sure a lot
love Catcher in the Rye, but I don't feel like they truly, how shall I say,
'get it'. So most are disappointed when they read any other Salinger stories.
For instance, I was chatting with this one girl (senior/4 years my senior)
and mentionted Salinger was one of my favorite authors. She read Catcher
Junior year (I'm a Sophmore) and immediately read Franny & Zooey afterwards,
and didn't like it at all. She wanted to know why Franny & Zooey wasn't as
'smooth' as Catcher In the Rye. She said that she loved Catcher, especially
Holden because she felt that he was 'funny' and was disappointed that Franny &
Zooey wasn't anything like it. I didn't exactly know what to tell her. I said
that they're are published stories continuing with Holden and his family that
she may enjoy looking up at the library. (she wasn't interested in that I
guess) And included that I couldn't change Franny & Zooey and wouldn't dare if
I could.
Not that my opinion or position should discourage anyone from loving Salinger
for whatever reasons they have. But my point being I think 'relating' to CITR
is open for all ages (although that certainly has been stated, hasn't it?) ..
not more so for teenagers because they're the same age. Perhaps because most
of you all read it as a teenager and instantly felt a connection (as I do)
because sometimes it feels like Holden's audience is strictly directed towards
teenagers. Like he's talking to me, and no one else.
Anyways I hope this has shed a bit of light on what a teenager (if I qualify
as one, that is) opinion about 'relating' to Salinger. Think that's all I have
to say. Although I'm wondering what you're all intial reaction to Holden was
when you first read Catcher.
-Erinn (with 2 N's)