Get a Life Holden Caulfield - Teenage Skaz Respone
- sarahej8
- Jan 17, 2017
- 1 min read

Recently, I read the article, “Get a Life, Holden Caulfield” by Jennifer Schuessler. In the article, she basically explained how, Holden Caulfield, from The Catcher in the Rye, is no longer relevant today and is “...losing his grip on the teens.” I agree with Schuessler’s claim and find myself nodding my head to many of the points she’s made to support that idea. One of Schuessler’s main points was that people can’t relate to Holden because, “...we don’t really speak this way or talk about these things,” And if we’re being honest, no one randomly drops “goddams” at the end of every sentence and people don’t go slumming around New York telling people they have cancer or constantly call up prostitutes. In short, Holden’s thoughts and actions are not relatable to people in today’s society anymore.

The struggle young readers have relating to the book causes many people lose interest because if a person can’t relate to the novel, then they’re just reading about an angsty teenager who complains about life. Frankly, teenagers have enough problems to deal with, they don’t need to hear other people rant about their issues.
In the end, I can appreciate J.D. Salinger for writing a novel that was considered against the social norms and a relatable book to people during his time. Although, just because Holden isn’t all that anymore, it doesn't take away from the novelty of the book.
Image Source: http://www.shmoop.com/catcher-in-the-rye/holden-caulfield.html
http://www.redbubble.com/people/baptismonfire/works/12007761-the-catcher-in-the-rye-where-do-the-ducks-go?p=travel-mug
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