Catcher In The Rye Should Be Banned In High Schools
While the 1951 novel, The Catcher in the Rye has been challenged many times by school boards across America, it has also won the hearts of countless fans, who claim that the merits outweigh the controversial issues. Sailinger's most popular novel has been ridiculed for its use of vulgar language, sexual references, alcohol abuse, and violence. Although the novel contains mature subject matter, The Catcher in the Rye should be included in all high school curriculums because it is a classic coming of age story that students can learn from and connect to their own lives. Specifically, the majority of high school students reading The Catcher in the Rye can relate to the prevailing pressure to meet high family and class expectations. The main character,
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Holden's grievances consequently lead him to continually battle with depression and loneliness. His depression was evoked by the death of his brother Allie, which furthermore shifted his self image and his perception of others. After Holden is expelled from the Pency Preparatory Academy, he retreats to New York City, where he finds himself at the epitome of his loneliness and depression. While he is all alone, he laments, "what I really felt like doing was committing suicide. I felt like jumping out of the window," (Salinger 104). Readers are exposed to Holden's darkest thoughts and his desire to end his life. Holden is unfortunately one of many adolescents that suffer from undiagnosed depression. Doctor McGill states, "failing to diagnose depression is a health risk. The longer the depression goes untreated, the harder it becomes to treat" (McGill 24). Many teens are at risk of undiagnosed depression that can become fatal to ones mental health. Holden is continuously battling with depression symptoms, which escalate when he retreats to New York City. According to the Depression and Suicide Education Awareness Program, I Need a Light House, "Approximately 20 percent of teens will experience depression before they reach adulthood. Between 10 to 15 percent of teenagers have some symptoms of depression at any one time" (Teen Depression). Depression is a common struggle amongst adolescents and teenagers. Holden's experiences can help bring awareness to adolescent depression. The Catcher in the Rye can make readers more aware of and alerted to warning signs of
Holden's grievances consequently lead him to continually battle with depression and loneliness. His depression was evoked by the death of his brother Allie, which furthermore shifted his self image and his perception of others. After Holden is expelled from the Pency Preparatory Academy, he retreats to New York City, where he finds himself at the epitome of his loneliness and depression. While he is all alone, he laments, "what I really felt like doing was committing suicide. I felt like jumping out of the window," (Salinger 104). Readers are exposed to Holden's darkest thoughts and his desire to end his life. Holden is unfortunately one of many adolescents that suffer from undiagnosed depression. Doctor McGill states, "failing to diagnose depression is a health risk. The longer the depression goes untreated, the harder it becomes to treat" (McGill 24). Many teens are at risk of undiagnosed depression that can become fatal to ones mental health. Holden is continuously battling with depression symptoms, which escalate when he retreats to New York City. According to the Depression and Suicide Education Awareness Program, I Need a Light House, "Approximately 20 percent of teens will experience depression before they reach adulthood. Between 10 to 15 percent of teenagers have some symptoms of depression at any one time" (Teen Depression). Depression is a common struggle amongst adolescents and teenagers. Holden's experiences can help bring awareness to adolescent depression. The Catcher in the Rye can make readers more aware of and alerted to warning signs of