The sexual content in the book is shown in the way that
Holden describes his and others sexuality. Holden is illustrating his personal
struggle with his sexuality to the reader, while watching a bunch of perverts
in his hotel room. (“I [Holden] mean that’s my big trouble. In my mind, I’m
probably the biggest sex maniac you ever saw”) (Chapter 9 pg.81). The author
uses a simile when Holden calls himself a sex maniac, because a maniac is
someone who is crazy, or uses violent or obsessive behavior. The author uses
this to display Holden’s raw emotion toward sexuality, but Holden feels bad
about his ravenous feelings about sex, to him it is his biggest problem. He
changes is tone from feeling bad to describing himself as a maniac, he
recognizes this and feels bad for being a maniac and it is an interesting self
confession. This quote is an example of strong emotion that could be considered
controversial to a younger audience because it describes sexual frustration,
and sexuality in general which many believe to be unnecessary.
I agree with the Challenged statement. I think this book should be banned especially if the guy is a sex maniac. That to me just makes it seem like there is a lot of sex in the book. However the good moral codes on how he comes to terms with his sexuality problems makes this a must read. Many kids who are having difficulties could read this book instead of asking someone because that could be embarrassing. However, most people do not have sexuality problems, so this book doesn't really need to be read by everyone. Personally, I dont think I'm ever going to read this book after the quote that was in the paragraph. The balance between the banned and the must read makes this book challenged.
ReplyDeletewe have to read it next year
DeleteI have read THE CATCHER IN THE RYE and I disagree. Though it is true that Holden does make it quite a theme in the book about his sexuality, I believe making this book a challenged text is crossing the line. This book is a piece of classic literature that was made a long time ago for a purpose. This book was written about a boy is struggling as he is coming of age. The sexual themes of the book are merely part of the book and they are part of the help. Young adults must read the book, because that is when this book is most meaningful and beneficial.
ReplyDeleteI have never read The Catcher in the Rye, however your analysis of how the sexually frustrated main character can send a positive message to readers is interesting. This makes me want to read this book because it now seems the literature's controversial topics are the same topics the author uses to make it a valuable piece of literature. Therefore, the book must also be a must-read.
ReplyDeleteQuite frankly, the fact the author blatantly acknowledges he is a sex maniac and that it is a bad thing leads me to think the book should not be banned and, as you said, challenged and discussed before reading. The author quickly establishes that being a sex maniac is a bad thing, informing the readers while they are reading that it is in fact bad and not something they strive for, in effect containing the sexuality to show that there are lines in the world of what is and is not acceptable. Despite all of the controversy around the book, I do want to read it due to the fact it is blatant in its themes and motifs, making it a book that can push readers out of their comfort zone, something I see as acceptable in moderation, which this book sets forth by condoning the sensitive material in it.
ReplyDelete