Generation Gap?

[Demetrius]

The Generation Gap is defined as "a term popularized in Western countries during the 1960s referring to differences between people of younger generations and their elders" Is Holden expressing his frustration at the older generation's inability or failure to effectively communicate with the younger? Is this what the book is really about?

(He never says that his parents spoke to him or anything, only that they would get upset if they heard his story.)

[Amber]

Gotta say I never asked myself that question. It's many years since I read Catcher but in my opinion this story does not have anything to do with a generation gap, with the character himself or reader.

I always thought of this book as pretty timeless. No matter when you read it, you can understand what's going on even if you cant empathize with the main character.

The book to me is about just simply growing up.

[Monty J]

Demetrius wrote: "The Generation Gap is defined as "a term popularized in Western countries during the 1960s referring to differences between people of younger generations and their elders" Is Holden expressing his ..."

Holden didn't consult his parents because he was trying to grow up, moving from dependency to independency. One of the main hallmarks of striving for adulthood is to reject parental guidance and try to find answers on your own or from other sources.

[Renee E]

Demetrius wrote: "The Generation Gap is defined as "a term popularized in Western countries during the 1960s referring to differences between people of younger generations and their elders" Is Holden expressing his ..."

I appreciate how you defined it as a terminology.

There've always been gaps, chasms, even, between generations. They just got defined as such during that strange and wonderful time of struggle to break old patterns.

Sometimes being able to put a name to the problem, exposing it, not only helps to define it, but offers a foot or fingerhold to begin solving it — or at least minimizing it somewhat.

Holden not reaching for his parents is a part of that gap between generations, it's part of the struggle toward maturity. One of those steps that, consciously or unconsciously, is a recognition that that gap is opening up behind you, and a decision to continue on course, even though — for a time — it means the gap will become wider and deeper.

[Christine]

I am pretty sure any 'coming of age' book has an element of generation gap. It is a very common denominator -- the young person always thinks he/she will do things better than the parents.

[Monty J]

Demetrius wrote: "Is Holden expressing his frustration at the older generation's inability or failure to effectively communicate with the younger? Is this what the book is really about?"


I don't see generational failure to communicate as an issue. Holden is merely trying to learn how to become an adult. He actively engages with adults at a peer level, sometimes initiating the conversation: Mr. Spencer, Ernest Morrow's mother, groups of nuns and tourists, cab drivers, Maurice the elevator operator/pimp, Carl Luce, Mr. Antolini.

He may disagree with them, but he does so as a peer and is far from intimidated or reluctant or confused. He is highly mature or his age in his understanding of theater and literature and his desire and willingness to protect children and thereby putting himself in an adult role.

If inter-generational communication were at issue, Holden wouldn't appreciate adult music such as "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" playing as Phoebe rode the carousel, nor would he appreciate the Lunts' acting in the stage performance he attended with Sally Hayes, nor would he even consider seeing the Rockettes' at Radio City, an adult venue and performance, nor would he like the jazz piano at the nightclub.

[aPriL does feral sometimes]

The biggest gap I saw was society's idea of being a 'man' in the 1950's and Holden's genuine grief. His parents were unhelpful, the school and his peers seemed more concerned about 'manning' him up to 'help' him come of age, i.e., grow up, get over it, move on. But IMHO, all of the other issues Holden was upset with were red herrings due to his underlying massive grief over his sister. And everyone, including Holden, was either intentionally or inadvertently paving over the buried fact his sister had recently died and he was in agony over it.

[Monty J]

aPriL eVoLvEs (ex-Groot) wrote: "...his underlying massive grief over his sister. And everyone, including Holden, was either intentionally or inadvertently paving over the buried fact his sister had recently died and he was in agony over it."


I think you meant "brother" rather than "sister," in which case I agree. I think also unresolved grief over James Castle, whom Holden brings up repeatedly, adds to the emotional weight holding down Holden (pun intended.)

Holden's predicament is classic for teenager struggling with emotional problems while trying to cope with school and the transition to adult responsibilities.

The most common form of emotional strain for late teens in modern society is the divorce of parents, either or both of whom are going through a mid-life crisis. Nobody gets it, or if they do, the common reaction is, as you say, to "get over it," "get tough," "God doesn't give us more than we can handle," and "deal with it." These people haven't a clue what the teen is going through because it's all internal. Only a trained professional can understand. And so we have unprecedented levels of teenage suicide.

[aPriL does feral sometimes]

Monty J. - yep, you're right, his brother. I read it awhile ago.

: )

[Duane]

Bah... Humbug!

The little twerp just needed a dose of this
Then he wouldn't have been so Lost And All Alone and would have had some equally angst-ridden Pain Teens to hang with