Remember: EVERY student must post ONE independent response and TWO responses to other students.
DUE TUESDAY, FEB. 17!
DISCUSS: Are the characters in The Catcher in the Rye likable? That is, do you both identify and empathize with Holden's problems? What about the adults (Spencer and Holden's parents)? His "friends"? Who would you most want to meet? Why?
DISCUSS: Are the characters in The Catcher in the Rye likable? That is, do you both identify and empathize with Holden's problems? What about the adults (Spencer and Holden's parents)? His "friends"? Who would you most want to meet? Why?
So far no, because of the way Holden explains each person he knows. (Except for D.B.) Holden has a serious problems with older figures in his life. He dislikes his parents, and has basically no respect for anyone. Maybe himself...
ReplyDeleteWallain
ReplyDeleteI am not sure yet about Holden. He sure is a character, he admits to being immature. That would not be something that a person usually admits to because they do not see themselves that way. That may be why he swears frequently, he sees that as mature behavior. He is aware that he is ruining his future by flunking his subjects and refuses to do anything about it.
So far I have only read up to chapter three and I found Holden to be very sarcastic and humorous. Holden also comes off as being immature. The way he describes people are a little amusing, for example, the way he described Ackley and his teeth. on top of Holden being Sacrastic he has so far have been kicked out of many schools. Holden respects Mr. Spencer to an extent that he know that Mr. Spencer is trying to help him.
ReplyDelete-Faith Harper
Holden Caulfield represents troubled youth. He portrays the world through a cynical view and alienates himself because of his unwillingness to conform to the materialistic and greedy attitudes belonging to society.
ReplyDeleteHolden’s life experiences are limited, which leads to him being viewed as naïve and immature. However, despite Holden’s negative characteristics so far, I already find him a likeable character in the making because he doesn’t seem as “phony” as the other characters in the novel.
Holden seems to be in search of a personal identity that will eventually lead him to happiness and something more real.
The adult figures in the novel aren’t especially favored by Holden. His parents are described as “nice” but also “touchy” when talked about, which is why he refuses to discuss them further. Mr. Spencer, his history teacher, tries to assist Holden and questions him about his future, but Holden doesn’t want to hear a lecture and only listens to the man out of respect.
Holden perceives the adults as corrupt, especially his older brother D.B., who wrote good stories until he involved himself in the movie business, which Holden despises.
Holden rebels against authority and society as a whole. He doesn’t want to grow up and become someone obsessed with success and money, which could be why he doesn’t take his education seriously.
I agree with what Amanda said,"Holden seems to be in search of a personal identity that will eventually lead him to happiness and something more real". When you read all the things that Holden have said about all the other characters being "phony", it allows Holden to learn from the way people act, the way people present themselves to an extent where he can learn to not be so sarcastic about things and can adapt to being presentable.
ReplyDeleteThe main character Holden is likable. He has problems that many kids his age even today can relate to. Holden does alienate himself and describes many of his friends as "phony". Holden doesn't exactly like the adults in his life. He thinks his parents are touchy and doesn't have much respect for them. He also describes himself as immature and excepts the fact that he is failing many class and doesn't want to do anything to fix it.
ReplyDeletei agree with what Amanda said, "Holden doesn't want to grow up and become obsessed with success and money,which could be why he doesn't take education seriously". Holden knows that he is failing 4 of his classes but refuses to do anything about it and doesn't really mind that he was kicked out of many schools. He describes his parents as "touchy" and may feel that if he was to grow up he will become somewhat this way and doesn't want to.
ReplyDeleteI want to say Holden, but not yet. Holden needs to learn how to let go of being a child and start taking charge of his future. He had a rough childhood and he is just making his life and the people around him more difficult. Holden seems to see more negative aspects of older people rather than the positive aspects. In my opinion, he will learn to change his behaviors and become more mature about rethinking about other people in his life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Matt said. The characters in the book are introduced and judged only by Holden's perspective. I need to actually know more about the person by their actions rather than one source (Holden).
ReplyDeleteThe entire story is all based on Holden's perspective and his own thoughts about characters in the novel. Holden's thoughts are mostly negative toward other characters in the novel. I mostly think the adults in the novel are the only characters that seem to understand the world and how to create a emotional scene within the story. Holden is the character that only shows the negative side of each character. I would most likely meet with no one because the characters are self-dependent and if I say something to them, they could probably say something to oppose what I said or say something negative behind my back.
ReplyDeleteThe story is interesting even with a character that tells the story in a bad way, but the adults to me, might be the only characters that seem friendly.
Matt and Kevin are right. Holden is the character telling the story in his perspective and we do need more of actions rather than thoughts by a character that only believes that people are only on their negative side.
ReplyDeleteI believe Christine when she said Holden admitted himself to being immature. Holden is having a tough life, and he sees himself having a tough life. Many people only look on the bright side of their lives, but Holden looks at the negative side of his life. Maybe Holden does that so show the readers or anyone to show that he is trying to improve his life in any way he can. Holden may be trying to give us a message about life and how to think about current situations and the future rather than learning about others and how to think about them.
ReplyDeleteSo far from what I have read, Holden is portrayed as the likeable perosn. I reall can't say if the other characters are likeable because Holden is the only one who has said anything about the other characters. Holden really doesn't like the adults around him. He especially doesn't like his parents. When he talked about them, he said that they were nice and somewhat touchy. The only adult that Holden really respects to a certain extent is Mr. Spencer.
ReplyDelete~jasmin Colon
I agree with what Sara said about Holden being around our age and that he has problems that many kids his age even today can relate to. Holden’s negative perspective can tell a lot about his background and how adults may have treated him when Holden was younger, so because of that Holden doesn't respect adults. Holden also portrays a troubled teen that has many things to do and just takes life the way it is. That includes Holden failing his classes.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sara on her comparison of Holden to teenagers today. He expresses certain feelings that teens can relate to, such as problems with adults, isolation from others his age and a lack of caring about his education. However, Holden does openly admit his immaturity while some teenagers aren't as quick to recognize a personal fault.
ReplyDeleteI think that, everything people have brought up so far are extremely valid points, however I also think that Holden needs to take accountability for his actions. It's one thing to say I am a faulty person, but it is an entirely different story when that person chooses to change that affect about them.
ReplyDeleteWallain
ReplyDeleteI agree with Faith when she said that you can tell how Holden was raised by his attitude towards life. I think that he is trying to prevent himself from turning into something that he views as bad in so way.
I like Holden he's my favorite. hes very sarcastic and doesn't seem to take life very seriously. It seems like Holden has problems respecting adults like his parents. He says there to touchy. Hes been kicked out of numerous schools. Holden really doesn't care what adults tell him. While Spencer is talking to Holden, Holden is thinking of the ducks in Central Park. Meaning he really doesn't care what the old man is saying. I would like to meet Holden, because i REALLY want to see what happens.
ReplyDelete-ashley rodriguez
So far, I can say that Holden is likable. He isn't too serious and seems extremely laid back. Although there is a bad side to that, since he has been kicked out of many schools already. He doesn't seem to care that he is being kicked out again. I really don't empathize for his problems because he doesn't care for it either. He seems to like Mr. Spencer a little, or at least have some type of respect for him.
ReplyDelete-Niki Flores
I disagree with Matt. He said that he seems to have no respect for anyone except himself. But because Holden went to pay Spencer a visit, and sat there for a while, he showed some respect. Even though he did end up lying anyways...
ReplyDelete-Niki Flores
I agree with Sarah teenagers can relate to Holden and his problems. Yes faith said that Holden admits to being immature, which is true because Holden really admits to being immature.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Amanda -"he doesn’t seem as “phony” as the other characters in the novel." Holden is unique and he obviously stands out from his peers. He doesn't pretend to like them and he seems more down to earth.
ReplyDelete-Niki Flores
I agree with Amanda when she said Holden’s life experiences are limited, which leads to him being viewed as naïve and immature. He acts the way he does [sarcastic and immature] because he is young and hasnt fully matured yet.
ReplyDeleteI'm not quiet sure about the characters yet. It's too early to tell whether I relate to them or like them. I would not want to meet Holden because I'm quite sure I won't like him.
ReplyDeletei think that Holden is trying to seem more mature than he actually is, as many adolescents do. he associates maturity with with foul language because it is what he has seen in the media as well as in his parents. he is very intelligent but refuses to apply himself (i can directly relate to this because it is something that i am also guilty of). this is ironic of him because he wants to appear as an adult, but what he is doing is rather immature and foolish. Holden has a while until he ready to be an adult, he has a lot of "growing up to do".
ReplyDeletePhil proves a good point by relating Holden's desire for maturity to his lack of it in real life. Holden wants to be treated like an adult, but doesn't act like one. He just pretends to, which really makes him just as "phony" as the people he criticizes.
ReplyDeleteI believe Phil posses a great point with the maturity level of Holden. I can relate to Holden in a way with the lying characteristics. I lie often in order to cover up something. I can also relate with Holden in a way that we are both very sarcastic about alot. I would like to meet Holden, because I believe he acts the way he does because noone really tries to open up with him or show that they care.
ReplyDeleteI Agree With Both Matt And Josh.
ReplyDeleteMatt Has A Good Point When He Says That He Needs To Take Responsiblilty For His Actions. He Needs To Mature A Little More, As Well As Take LIfe A Little More Seriously. [But Many Of Us Have The Same Problem, Myself Included]. I Also Agree With Josh When He Said That He Relates To Holden When He Says That He Lies Often To Cover Up Things. I Do That...Alot. I Also Agree With Josh When He Says That He Thinks Holden Acts The Way He Does Because Noone Really Tries To Open Up With Him Or Show That They Care. If Someone Was To Open Up To Him Or Be There For Him He Might Be More Likely To Cut Down On Some Of His Sarcasim As Well As His Attitude.
I think Holden's attitude towards life all around is negative. He only looks into what his opinion is and can't see how other people view things. The people I would be most interested to meet would be the adults in the story such as his teacher to see how they really think of him.
ReplyDelete-Dan Britt
The characters in Catcher in the Rye I believe are relatable. Holden is this very sarcastic character which I believe many teenagers can relate to. He is in a stage in his life where he is not quite sure who he is yet or who he wants to be. To a point, I can relate to Holden`s problems especially with his teacher. We all have teachers who nag and try to use the guilt trip just like Holdens teacher did. I would like to meet Holden because I believe his actions are simply a front to pretend he does not care. I would like to know the true Holden.
ReplyDelete-Alexis Martinez
I disagree with Dan. How is Holden view on life negative? And the adults in the story pretty much tell Holden how they feel about him and the situation. Spencer, his teacher does not sugar coat the fact Holden has been expelled. I am not saying Holden is this angel, but we have to notice he is a teenager who wants to know what he can bring to society. He acts like he doesnt care because its easier then admitting you screwed up.
ReplyDelete-Alexis Martinez
I agree with Faith when she stated the Holden is humurous when describing other characters. I wonder if he tries to use humor to make the audience like him, because usually funny people are likable.
ReplyDeletein my opinon all of the chracters in the book are not supose to be clasified as likable or unlikeable. the reason i say this is because if all of the chracters could be classified that way then the book would lose its interest, i think the author wants us to agree and disagree with holden through out the entire book just like if he was one of our friends so that we stay interested in the book because to be honest with all of you this book is very boring to me
ReplyDeletethe charecters in cather in the rye are not neccasrily likeable in the aspect of me not wanting to know them but they are entertaing as main charecters in the novel. I agree with steven in the regard of the author wanting us to agree and disagree. J.D. Salinger is very neat in having us feel a connection with the charecters. What i mean by this is Salinger gets us heated up or wants us to get into the decsions the charecters make.
ReplyDeletei don't think the characters in the catcher in the rye are not likeable i agree with steven's quote "all of the chracters could be classified that way then the book would lose its interest",
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact of alexis saying that the charecters are negative. Atleast with holden. He must be a very negative person and i cannot see holden having a positve outlook on life. They way i percieve him is he sees everything in the screw the world kind of way.
ReplyDelete