In 1987, it was banned in a high school in North Dakota for its sexual references ("Banned and/or Challenged Books from the Radcliffe Publishing Course Top 100 Novels of the 20th Century."). īut if The Catcher in the Rye only contained vulgar language, it would not be as controversial as it is. He also says statements against minorities, women, and the disabled.
Holden uses God’s name in vain and does blasphemous acts all through out the book. But it is not just the actual language that got the book banned it is what Holden was actually saying. The profanity varies from minor swearing to levels as high as the F-word. It was banned or challenged countless times, for its profanity alone ("Banned Books Awareness: “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. There are rarely sentences that do not have a cuss word. The book contains cuss word after cuss word, followed by some immoral statements about phonies. Holden has a very peculiar way of communicating, and it is not censored in any way. An adventure in New York City is definitely something a teenager could dream of.īut what is so controversial about a teenager and his adventure? Well, Holden’s adventure is quite controversial. Teenagers lived their own fantasies within the pages of the book. Holden stands as a sort of icon for teenagers everywhere. Salinger received much praise for this book, but eventually decided to life his life in seclusion. The book includes references to Salinger’s school and personal life. Holden’s story, in a way, retold Salinger’s life. Holden talks in 50’s slang and uses quite vulgar language ("The Catcher in the Rye: Context."). Some compare him to Mark Twain’s famous character Huck Finn, another literary icon. He rejects middle class values, and really does whatever he wants. Holden is really just a typical teenager: rash, angry, and ignorant ("The Praises and Criticisms of J.D. On his journey, he faces alcoholism, constant cigarette smoking, and emotional breakdowns. Expelled from his school at 16, he goes on a journey to New York City. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye ("The Catcher in the Rye.") The Catcher in the Rye tells the story of Holden Caulfield, a rebellious teenager facing psychological trouble. More importantly, he is the main character of J.D. Who is Holden Caulfield? He can be described as a teenager, a madman, or the epitome of vulgar.
So who banned The Catcher in the Rye and why? The Catcher in the Rye tells a very complex and deep story of an interesting teenager, but has some very crude parts. It has been banned or challenged in many schools throughout the United States, but is still taught at many others as a classic. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, by some is considered one of the greatest books of all time, is also very controversial.