Catcher in the Rye Essay: Eight Early Reviews :: Catcher Rye Essays

Eight Early Reviews of The Catcher in the rye Published in 1951, J. D. Salingers debut novel, The Catcher in the Rye, was one of the near controversial novels of its time. The set aside received many criticisms, good and dismal. While metalworker felt the news should be read more than once (13), Goodman give tongue to the book is disappointing (21). All eight of the critics had both good and bad impressions of the work. Overall, the book did not reflect Salingers ability due to the excessive expectedness used and the monotony that Holden imposed upon the reader. Agreeing with Smith was Stern, saying the book should be read again. There are many reasons for accepting this comment. Peterson, for example, felt that Holden Caulfields smack is intact, while Stern enjoyed Phoebes good personality. Phoebe was important because she preserved Holdens innocence (Jones). In the end, she keeps Holden at home with his family - after all, who knows what Holden could be up to, living b y himself? He has been trying to live up to his height, to drink with men, to understand turn sex and why he is still a virgin at his age (Smith 13). It is because of this personality, that Salinger is able to make the reader chuckle (Breit). Phoebe is as well as important to Holden because he finds a human warmth in her (Engle). notwithstanding all these positives, many critics felt the book was lacking a corking deal. There were many reasons given for not liking The Catcher in the Rye the vulgarity, the monotony, and the immature personality of the protagonist. To put it bluntly, one expects something more reveal of Salinger (Goodman 21). All through the book, Holden, as well as his friends, uses vulgar language. Because of this, Longstreth feels the book is not fit for children. Although vulgar language is used in the real number world, it was very rarely encountered in literature. Other critics agreed with Longstreth, Peterson said the book was obscene, while Smith war ned readers be advised to let the book but if they are bothered by this language. It is Jones feeling that this language could wholly be mouthed by a disturbed adolescent, and that Holden is immoral and perverted (Longstreth). The language was only part of the problem. The book, in many critics eyes, was monotonous.