Reflection on Favorite 11th Grade Work of Literature
My favorite work of literature this year
is J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. There were many aspects of this
book that I enjoyed over the other novels I read this year. One aspect of the novel
that I enjoyed was that it was an easy read. It wasn't too long, and it wasn't hard
to understand, so I didn't have to read parts more than once. I also enjoyed
Salinger's style of writing, which was true to life, the way the main character, Holden
Caulfield, was thinking and speaking.
Another aspect of the book I enjoyed was the symbolism. Salinger
used many symbols throughout the book, revolving around Holden's life. Symbols such
as Jane Gallagher, his hunting cap and the ducks represent different parts of his life.
These symbols are connected with his life very well, making them
understandable, and while the symbols are slightly hidden, they are easy to find.
I also enjoyed the Holden, because he was a very interesting character,
and I found that I could relate to him in some ways. I'm not a high school dropout
or anything, but some of his views on the world I agree with. I like his belief that
many people are phony, because many people really are phony, and it is very easy to tell
when someone is a phony. Holden's independent attitude and dislike for authority is
also somewhat similar to me, although I am not as extreme as he is.
I found the interaction between Holden and his sister interesting
because it also reminds me of my relationship with my youngest sister. Sometimes we
are really good friends, but at other times, we won't talk to each other at all. I
think the last scene between Holden and his sister is very well done, and contributes to a
great ending.
One other thing about the novel that I liked was the supporting
characters. Salinger created some really interesting people, such as Holden's
roommate, Stradlater, the girls in the bar, the prostitute, his teachers, and of course
his family. There is also every other person Holden talks about in the novel and
describes as a phony. Of course, Jane Gallagher is very interesting, because she
never actually appears in the novel, only in Holden's memory.
The Catcher in the Rye was a very enjoyable work of literature.
Besides everything I talked about, it was one of the few novels that I was
able to finish. I was even able to pull off A's on quizzes. For all these
reasons, and many more that I can't really describe in writing, The Catcher in the Rye
is my favorite work of literature.