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Explain Why The Catcher In The Rye Should Not Be Banned

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The Catcher in The Rye should not be banned because the main character, Holden Caulfield, is a fictional character that teens can relate with. The teenage angst experienced throughout the novel is similar the daily life of some teens. They too are at the edge of childhood fighting the immense pressures of adulthood. One example is when Holden was speaking to his sister, Phoebe, he said to her that he pictures thousands of kids running around in a field of rye while he waits at the edge of a cliff, so he can catch them before they run off’ (Salinger). Teens can identify with this protector role with many of their younger siblings and family members. (Reasearch quote)(citation)( meaning) another example of how Holden is relatable is his broken home living situation. …show more content…

Jerome B. Duesk, in a book titled Adolescent development and behavior, mentions "that sometimes siblings are [the] better communicators... Because they are closer in age [which] [makes] it easier to discuss the problems of growing up" (Duesk 299). In Holden's eyes he had no one except his little sister to rely upon for support. This proves that Holden Caulfield is relatable to many teenagers, and as such the novel should not be banned. The vice displayed in the novel, such as sex, and alcohol, contributes to the daily pressures of a teenager’s life. Alcohol is very predominate throughout the novel. The latest studies on this issue indicates that according to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Approximately 5.4 million people ages 12–20 engaged in drinking The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that more than 1.3 million teenagers have a drinking problem. The National Institute reports that the reason for underage teenage drinking is they believe in a mixture of rebellion towards their parents and a sign of maturity. Another reason for teenage drinking is it represents a daring gesture. Scientists

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