Is “The Catcher In The Rye” A Subversive Text?
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Is “The Catcher in the Rye” a subversive text?
From a deep study of the novel, I strongly agree that “The Catcher in the Rye” is a subversive text. From a continued study of the novel I strongly believe that the statement “The Catcher in the Rye is a subversive text which sought to undermine the moral fibre of post world war two society” is an accurate depiction of Salingers novel. In the novel Holden expresses his dispassionate attitude towards war by claiming he is a ” pacifist”.
I firmly believe there are various references throughout the novel which further endorse its subversive qualities, one of which being the continual recurrence of Holdens red hunting hat. The critic Maxwell Geismar asks “But what does he argue for?” referring to Holdens rebel without a cause status, as we see even by wearing a hat Holden is again refusing to conform to societys current state of normality. Holdens hunting hat, in my opinion, represents another subversive element in the novel which would have been controversial in the early 1950s. Holden is emotionally fragile and volatile throughout the novel and his inability to ask for help depicts a rather self destructive character which supports Baldwins theory of Holden “hunting himself”. I strongly agree that the suicidal elements of the novel adds to the rebellious disposition of the text which sought to destabilize the post war society. Holden dares to question the routine of life which has been deemed normal in his culture, which a post-war world would generally not appreciate. I believe there is evidence in Holdens self exile from his world to support the view that The Catcher in the Rye was a subversive text which sought to undermine the post world war 2 society.
The critic Paul Engle described Holdens situation in The Catcher in the Rye as “the unique story of a unique child.”
Further episodes in the novel in fact show Salingers criticisms of societys increasingly relaxed use of swear words. I feel the most powerful representation of the novel as a subversive text which sought to undermine the moral fibre