The Catcher In the Rye Should Not be Banned Essay - 789 Words

The Catcher In the Rye Should Not be Banned nbsp; nbsp; nbsp; Since its publication in 1951, The Catcher In the Rye, written by J.D. Salinger has served as a conflagration for debate and extreme controversy. Although the novel has been the target of scornful criticism, it has also been the topic of wide discussion. The novel portrays the life of sixteen year old, Holden Caufield. Currently in psychiatric care, Holden recalls what happened to him last Christmas. At the beginning of his story, Holden is a student at Pencey Prep School. Having been expelled for failing four out of his five classes, Holden leaves school and spends 72-hours in New York City before returning home. There, Holden encounters new ideas,†¦show more content†¦Students also hear profanities in countless movies. nbsp; Holden Caufield, the protagonist, swears steadily throughout the book. His curses are of the tamest kind, though, damn, hell, crap, ass, and he curses so self-consciously and so consistently that the words lose most of their vulgarity. Most of the cursing in the book would not even be rated PG-13 if it were in a movie, (Chandler). nbsp; The profanity used throughout the novel is at same level of the profanity often heard in a PG-13 rated movie. A PG-13 movie is intended for audiences ages 13 and older. In a typical high school, the student body is over the age of 13. Therefore, since the vulgarity in The Catcher In the Rye is at the level suitable for teenagers 13 and older, using profanity as the basis of censorship and scrutiny is not applicable. Profanity is not a valid grounds to ban nor censor literature. nbsp; Banning books such as, The Catcher In the Rye infringes on the freedoms that America was founded upon. The Bill of Rights is one of the founding principles upon which America was established. The First Amendment clearly states, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise there of; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press. (U.S. Constitution). Banning books undoubtedly contradicts the First Amendment.Show MoreRelatedAnalysis Of The Banning Of The Catcher In The Rye1191 Words   |  5 PagesJ. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, is one of the most controversial books ever written. The book has been banned in many places, while at the same time being viewed as an American classic. There is a great deal of controversy on banning the book in schools across America, due to it’s content. The story follows a mentally ill teen, Holden Caulfield, delving into his thoughts and feelings. The Catcher in the Rye should be banned for its many controversial views and topics, including the useRead MoreThe Catcher Of The Rye By William Shakespeare And Mark Twain1732 Words   |  7 Pages Books are banned because of the whole book in general or sometimes even for a single word or because the cover seems to suggest an offensive subject matter. Censors not only try to ban â€Å"dirty books† but they try to ban classics as well. Many classic writers such as William Shakespeare and Mark Twain have had their work attacked by censors as well as contemporary writers such as Annie Dillard and Alice Walker. Even books like dictionaries, travel guides, and Bibles have been banned (â€Å"If You ThinkRead MoreEssay about The Catcher In the Rye, Banned For a Reason894 Words   |  4 Pagesnovel, The Catcher In the Rye. The novel follows only a few days of Holden’s life, but exploits Holden’s reckless behavior and poor decision making skills; therefore encouraging bad behavior on young readers. The story also follows a constant repetition of inappropriate words and swears; that one might consider profane. Lastly the story contains inappropriate scenes and dialogue that is sexually explicit. The adult content found in this novel makes it unsuitable for eighth graders. The Catcher In theRead MoreEssay about Censorship and Catcher in the Rye751 Words   |  4 PagesChristi Johnson English 11 Pd. 5 Censorship Essay The Catcher in the Rye has been an instant classic since it was first published. It has been on the New York Times Best Seller list along with being among the most banned books in the U.S. It has been banned for its harsh language and bad behavior. But truly these are not good reasons to ban a book; a book that is so enjoyed by many readers and the reality of the protagonist. It is never good to hear profound language but the book is justRead MoreAmerican Library Association Vs. Salinger s The Catcher s The Rye 1230 Words   |  5 Pages J.D. Salinger’s, The Catcher in the Rye, holds the honor of appearing on â€Å"Time† magazine’s 2010 list of the 100 best English-language novels written since 1923 (Lacayo). In contrast, the American Library Association (ALA) notes that the novel also holds the dubious honor of being the tenth most challenged book in the United States from 1990 to 1999. In 2001, 2005, and 2009 the book again made the ALA top ten m ost frequently challenged book list (Banned and Challenged Books). In the lightRead MoreThe Freedom Of Speech Through The First Amendment Essay1156 Words   |  5 PagesBill of Rights, we are afforded the freedom of speech through the first amendment. But this awarding of freedom is only allowed if it goes along with what the general population deems â€Å"normal†. During the middle part of the 1900’s many books were banned on political, religious, and moral views. While our society has changed these issues are still prevalent in today’s public views and opinions of author’s work. These books are not â€Å"normal† and that is why they play an unprecedented part in literatureRead MoreThe Importance of Censoring in The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger1145 Words   |  5 PagesAmerican author well known for his best seller The Catcher in the Rye, a considerably influential novel that portrayed the feelings of alienation that were experience d by adolescents in North America after World War II (J.D. Salinger Biography). Salinger’s work appeared in many magazines, including a series of short stories which inspired many new authors (J.D. Salinger Biography). His inspiration for Pencey Prep boarding school in The Catcher in the Rye stemmed from his own difficult education at aRead MoreCensorship of The Catcher in the Rye948 Words   |  4 PagesThe Catcher in the Rye is a book that is an entertaining and compelling novel portraying, to some extent, the typical journey every person goes through in adolescence. Its relatable to many in that stage of life between childhood and adulthood. But is it to explicit and should it be banned or censored from schools? My opinion is that censorship is a little extreme for this book. This novel should not be banned or censored because it is relatable to people in Holden Claufields age group, it doesRead MoreShould Banned Be Banned? A High School Curriculum?1603 Words   |  7 P agesits various problematic, profane, and distasteful aspects. Specifically, the inclusion of banned books in a high school curriculum containing obscene aspects would not only strengthen comprehensive reading skills, but more importantly, increase students exposure to complex ideas that depict a gruesome, yet extremely realistic portrayal of life. Among the novels that have been banned is The Catcher in The Rye, written by J.D Salinger, which describes the idiosyncratic ideals of sixteen year old mischief-makerRead MoreThe Catcher Rye Should Be Apart Of Schools Curriculums For Anyone Above Elementary School1397 Words   |  6 PagesMany schools throughout the United States have banned The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger from their curriculums. There has been much debate on whether or not teachers should be able to include it as a part of their lesson, and if copies should be allowed in libraries. However, without a doubt, The Catcher in the Rye should be apart of schoolsâ₠¬â„¢ curriculums for anyone above elementary school. There are very few inappropriate themes, banning the novel would be neglecting the First Amendment, and