Catcher In The Rye Should Be Banned In Schools

The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger has, oddly enough, been censored many times in the past. It has even been banned from schools due to the foul language, sexual scenes, and excessive violence depicted within it. Some have even gone so far that they deemed this novel as an “antisocial Bible that deserves to be exterminated from school curriculum” (GradeSaver.com). As seen in this quote, many tend to dislike this book and want to exclude it from all schools’ curriculum. Since this is such a controversial novel, it is very difficult to come to the conclusion of whether or not this should be read in schools. Though many people criticize this piece of literature due to Holden Caulfield’s violent and antisocial nature, it is a very valuable book because many teenagers can identify with Holden’s constantly changing opinions and desire to
Many teenagers can relate to Holden’s wavering thoughts, opinions, and nonconformist ideals. This is important because it can comfort these adolescents by showing them that they are not alone in how they think and feel. Not only is this why the Catcher in the Rye is significant, but it is also one of the reasons literature in general is so valuable. Many people have trouble relating to certain pieces of literature, for the circumstances within can be very drastic. Oedipus the King, for instance, is a classic play that takes place in the city of Thebes where Oedipus, the king, must find a way to end the plague. In the end, Oedipus even ends up stabbing his eyes out– something not many can identify with. Though this is a well-respected play, many may not be interested in it, for it is not very relatable. All in all, people in today’s society should be able to read pieces of literature based on their interests, whether it be deemed a classic or banned from a school’s