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When we think of a classic novel, most of us will instantly think of a bit of Austen or Dickens, but some of the more ‘contemporary’ classic novels can feel a little out of place when we see them side by side with some of the other classic novels in the same category.
One such novel is The Catcher In The Rye. This novel was first published as a novel in 1951, and quickly found itself banned in many high schools during the 1980s and 70s.
Although it was originally written for adults, The Catcher in the Rye soon found itself a close following from many teenagers and it has become a coming-of-age story of teenage rebellion.
But what is it about The Catcher In The Rye that makes it a ‘classic’?
Here, we are going to explore the themes and features of The Catcher In The Rye and how each one has helped make this novel a must-read across the world.
What Makes A Classic Novel A Classic
To understand why The Catcher In The Rye is considered a classic, we first need to understand what makes any novel a ‘classic’.
There are a lot of different kinds of ‘classic’ novels out there and they are not all bonnets and bowstrings.
Some classics can range from the romantic to the horrifying, the adventurous to the critical, satire to sophistication – so the actual plot points and setting and characters actually have nothing to do with making a novel a classic.
Instead, classic literature are works of text that are considered ‘artistic’ for their exploration of certain themes. How they are written is a big factor into how classic works are remembered.
Although they may not be at the top of the bestseller lists of their time, they are remembered for their unique writing styles and prose.
Some of our most well known quotes and sayings come from classic literature – just think of Cathy’s ‘his soul and mine are the same’ speech regarding her and Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights, or Dickens’ opening line in A Tale of Two Cities.
Classic literature are also pieces of work that are constantly revisited and discussed even decades after their release.
Being a classic novel means that readers will pick up and enjoy your work long after the author has passed away, thus meaning that the novel will stand the test of time.
This is because a lot of the commentary remarks or themes explored in these classic novels are still relevant today.
Although Dickens wrote his novels nearly two hundred years ago, his themes on poverty and inequality are still applicable to our modern day society, and Austen’s characters are still relatable due to their quirks and flaws.
So, clearly, being a classic novel takes more than a good story and funny characters. It’s about relatability, whether in characters or themes or commentary, and standing the test of time.
So, how does The Catcher in the Rye meet these qualities?
Is The Catcher In The Rye A Classic?
The Catcher in the Rye is still a much discussed and much read novel decades after its release, meaning that it has firmly cemented itself as one of the most contemporary classic works – but what about it makes it a ‘classic’?
One of the many reasons why The Catcher in the Rye is so popular and yet so controversial is because it speaks to many teenagers and youths frustrated with the world in which they live.
Even though The Catcher In The Rye was written and set decades ago, generation and generation pick up this novel because they find something within that relates to them – namely the feelings of frustration and grief portrayed by the novel’s main character, Holden Caulfield.
In the novel, Holden is grieving for his younger brother Aiden and projects his grief onto his younger sister Phoebe, who he longs to protect.
Many analyses will say that Holden is suffering from survivor’s guilt or depression, but anyone who has lost someone close to them will be able to relate with Holden’s internal suffering and how his anger, guilt, and sadness all translates into some of his actions.
Holden also portrays a lot of traits of self-loathing and angst, common feelings felt by teenagers as they transition into adults and come to terms with reality – no matter what time you are in.
This awkward period is felt in everyone’s lives as we learn who we truly are and how we differ from everyone else, and yet how difficult it can be to have others understand you.
So, not only is The Catcher in the Rye relatable to those suffering from loss, but it’s also relatable to many young minds trying to find out who they truly are and their yearning to be understood by others.
Because of this, it’s easy to see why The Catcher in the Rye has resonated with so many teenagers and young adults over the decades since its release.
As each generation goes through this trying period of their lives, they find comfort in the novel by knowing that although unique, they are not alone – a paradox that is explored through the character of Holden.
This youth is also perfectly conveyed through the writing style. J.D. Salinger writes simply and without any of the archaic language that you often find in other classic novels of the time.
This makes the novel far easier to understand and thus, more easily accessible to younger generations.
By avoiding any complicated prose, Salinger unlocks Holden’s youthful mind and perfectly captures every thought so the audience can easily understand (and relate) to Holden’s internal struggles.
So, although its themes of sex and grief and violence contrasts greatly against the bonnets of Austen or the spontaneous combusting characters of Dickens, Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye is just as relatable just to a different audience.
Final Thoughts
Being a classic novel is not about being written decades ago – it’s about being relatable, wonderfully written, and being a favorite for generations to come.
The Catcher in the Rye ticks all of these boxes and thus has earned its place on the shelf alongside some other well known classic novels.
I first had the idea for Seeking A Good Book when I was in college and everyone would come to me for book recommendations. More often than not, everyone I recommended a book to would always come back with a glowing review of it.
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