The other day in Mr. Wickersham’s class we talked about how the title
Catcher in the Rye relates to Holden and the rest of the book. Holden is stuck in between being a child and an adult. When Phoebe asks him what his ideal job would be, he says he would love to be a catcher in the rye. He wishes he could still be a child and he does things, like scratching off the bad words in the museum, to prevent other kids from losing their childhood innocence and having to become an adult.
Have you ever done anything because you didn’t want to grow up, or because you didn’t want someone else to have to grow up? If so, why? If not, can you understand why someone, like Holden, would do this, or do you think it is completely crazy and pointless? Do you think Holden was avoiding the inevitable or do you think some people just need the extra time to figure things out? Please explain.
Elizabeth
3 comments:
I have definatly tried to prevent growing up. I have done little things like pretend to still like Barbies but it was more for my mom then for me. When I was in 5th grade my mom was still buying me dolls because she didn't want me to grow up and I wanted to protect her and I didn't want to hurt her feelings.
When it comes to protecting the innocent I think I do it without realizing it. When I babysit I will sometimes switch the station if I think it is too "grown up" for the kids and sometimes I will not answer their questions if they ask me where babies come from. I think kids grow up too fast and they need to stay kids longer.
Erin B
Up until freshmen year my mom would always treat me like I was a little kid. She would baby me and buy me things that were meant for little kids. She was very over protective and she tried to shield me from things that couldn’t be avoided. In a way I guess it’s kind of a good thing because she will always think of me as her little baby but what I really wanted was for her to trust me. I remember I had to wait until I was twelve years old to stay home alone and when I did she would make me call her every time I made something in the microwave.
Lately kids are starting to grow up younger and younger these days. Many of us have younger siblings and if we like it or not we are going to protect them for as long as we can. In some ways I notice myself protecting the innocent like Holden, for example when I am watching a TV show and one of my best friend’s sister’s walks in I will tell them that they have to go in the other room to watch TV. I don’t think we mean to do this to them but in some cases it’s for the better. I just want to look out for their best interests.
Katie G
I can definitely relate to Holden's "Peter Pan-like" qualities. I've never been one of those kids in a rush to grow up, but there are some priviledges of being older that I enjoy. I suppose I am sort of stuck in the middle as Holden is, just in a less extreme way. I like the idea of being able to drive myself places and stay out late at night, but I hate the extra responsibilities and stress that come from school, family, and friends as I get older. Sometimes when I get extremely frustrated with all the complexities in my life, I sort of like to escape like Holden and do something that makes me feel like a little kid like spending time with my brother and younger neighbors, or playing outside with friends.
I do believe that kids these days are growing up way too fast. I see little girls dressed like 20-year-olds and it disgusts me. I don't understand why parents would want their kids to age so quickly; childhood is probably one of the best and most pure times in life. I don't see why anyone would want to miss it if they had the choice. I have a younger brother and I already know he has been exposed to a lot more things than I ever was at his age. My parents are a bit less protective about what he sees since he's not their first born, and luckily I don't see it affecting him too much. He still behaves like an 11-year-old boy. But I do find myself trying to protect him sometimes by having him watch cartoons with me instead of some edgy R rated movie. Often times the time we spend together involves doing things that young kids do, which I think we both enjoy. Those early years of life are so simple and pure, and I just feel like they should be cherished.
-Kristyn L.
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