Everyone Is a Phony...

11.W.1.2 Students can write a document analyzing how a work of literature mirrors the themes and issues of its historical period.

11.R.2.2 Students can read fluently to comprehend grade-level text

J.D. Salinger never thought of inspiring American culture through the theme of his novel; and only focused on writing what was happening to society for the first time. In the 50s many teens were driven away from the goody scene and TV shows like Happy days, The Dona red show and other family TV shows would soon be losing its young adult audience. Parents would soon be wishing for the day to see the innocence in their children again. In this novel the main character Holden has trouble with swearing, relationships, homosexuality, depression and in general rebellion. The 50s was the era were teens would start to rebel and follow their emotions instead of parents or other adults. Throughout the novel J.D makes Holden have these inner problems with himself. One big problem Holden faces is the search of relationships and even at some point in the novel he turns to a guy through his desperation. He talks very perversely with other guys and is always trying to have sex talks rather than a normal conversation. As you can imagine libraries wound not tolerate racy literature in the 50s. Society was willing to deny the fact what was happening to teens during the 50s. But J.D showed American through his famous novel the theme that would show thousands how to rebel and be different from others. Holden says he wants to be “the catcher in the rye” and to save the children from falling off the cliff. There’s a part in Holden of wanting to save the next generation into falling into the deep dark hole. He does this in several ways, while it’s erasing F*** You at an Elementary School or helping little children. Overall J.D. had the guts to write this incredible novel making it a truly classic novel in today’s society.   

This cycle I have achieved what I had wanted. Last time I was still in the middle of the novel, but I have met my goal and finished it. I also finished writing the theme and issues of the 50s. I have also finished the File Folder Project. This time I didn’t come over any difficulties, and I enjoyed it. I wish to do this again and read this novel. But I think I’m going to take a break of reading novels. I also think that I would take more time on the file folder project. I would recommend this novel to others because it’s very entertaining and you get sucked right in the life of Holden Caulfield.

Thank you ladies and gents!