Comparative Essay Catcher and Breakfast Club
The Catcher in the Rye and The Breakfast Club Various pieces of literature and entertainment exhibit similar characteristics in their writing style, themes, and portrayals. These features are in each piece to enhance the reading and viewing. The novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, and the movie The Breakfast Club directed by John Hughes, are two works that are similar in some significant aspects. Both compositions overflow with the theme of teenage rebellion, use rich vernacular, and portray adults as corrupt and unreasonable. These resemblances are recognized through the character’s actions and opinions in both pieces.
A prominent theme in the novel The Catcher in the Rye is teenage rebellion. Throughout the novel, Holden does not conform to society’s standards of being a responsible teenager. Holden drops out of many schools, and fails almost all of his classes. His attitude regarding his worsening situation is unenthusiastic and careless. This is displayed when he says “I forgot to tell you about that. They kicked me out. I wasn’t supposed to come back after Christmas vacation, on account of I was flunking four subjects and not applying myself at all” (Salinger, 4). Holden was later confronted about his lack of motivation by his teacher, who said, “I flunked you in history because you knew absolutely nothing” (Salinger, 10). Holden’s negligence concerning school is typical of a rebelling teenager. Holden’s rebellion is further demonstrated in the novel when he runs away from Pencey Prep and has no specific goal ahead of him, saying “… I decided I’d take a room in a hotel in New York – some very inexpensive hotel and all – and just take it easy till Wednesday” (Salinger, 51). Holden’s unclear plan presented his vague sense of responsibility and careless nature. This coupled with the irresponsible behaviour of drinking and employing prostitutes shows that Holden is tremendously defiant. “I ordered a scotch and soda, and told him not to mix it –
A prominent theme in the novel The Catcher in the Rye is teenage rebellion. Throughout the novel, Holden does not conform to society’s standards of being a responsible teenager. Holden drops out of many schools, and fails almost all of his classes. His attitude regarding his worsening situation is unenthusiastic and careless. This is displayed when he says “I forgot to tell you about that. They kicked me out. I wasn’t supposed to come back after Christmas vacation, on account of I was flunking four subjects and not applying myself at all” (Salinger, 4). Holden was later confronted about his lack of motivation by his teacher, who said, “I flunked you in history because you knew absolutely nothing” (Salinger, 10). Holden’s negligence concerning school is typical of a rebelling teenager. Holden’s rebellion is further demonstrated in the novel when he runs away from Pencey Prep and has no specific goal ahead of him, saying “… I decided I’d take a room in a hotel in New York – some very inexpensive hotel and all – and just take it easy till Wednesday” (Salinger, 51). Holden’s unclear plan presented his vague sense of responsibility and careless nature. This coupled with the irresponsible behaviour of drinking and employing prostitutes shows that Holden is tremendously defiant. “I ordered a scotch and soda, and told him not to mix it –