Summary
The Catcher in the Rye is a book that explores themes of loss, grief and a sense of self, set in 1951 but truly timeless in its insights, it explores the adolescent struggle for survival, complicated by the loss and grief. The anti-hero Holden Caulfield, the central character is a memorable character whose struggles tug at one’s heart and soul even when he displays anti-heroic characteristics that had the book banned. He questions authority, challenges the norm within his peer group and displays cynicism beyond his years. What is ultimately redeeming is that he recognises the “good” in the present existence in the form of his younger sister Phoebe and regrets the loss of “good” from the death of his brother Allie. His ability to recognize good, one hopes, will ultimately lead him, like a compass through his anguish and adolescent uncertainty. Holden Caulfield is the type of central character that walks into your consciousness and never leaves.
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"Dominique Koontz, age 17, for her cover of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. This cover just has wow appeal. On the cover we see the long-suffering, wry character of Holden Caulfield, the anti-hero of this book. He looks like a trouble maker indeed in this cover. Dominique showed great artistry in her characterization of him as well as creating a sense of atmostphere with the cityscape in the background, interplayed with the wheat field in the foreground. It has extra special touches, too, like the smoke coming out of the cigarette and the contrast/edges on the sleeve of the coat, that make this an eye-catching piece."
Read more: Apex Herald - Library announces contest winners
Read more: Apex Herald - Library announces contest winners